Sharon realizes that she needs additional research before she approaches potential investors. What kind of research should she do to effectively evaluate her potential business opportunity?

A: Conduct market research to determine whether her business opportunity that meets a consumer need or want.

B: Discuss the situation with her cousin who has shopped at the local bakery a few times.

C: Discuss the situation with a family friend who has money and might want to invest in her idea.

D: Analyze a national chain that sells pies and model her new business after it. This will save time and money that would otherwise be spent on independent research and planning.