Business development officers and market researchers and analysts

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• Develop and apply E-commerce strategies

• Provide consultation on planning and starting of new businesses.

• Develop policies and administer programs to promote industrial and commercial business investment in urban and rural areas

• Design market research questionnaires

• Conduct social or economic surveys on local, regional or national areas to assess development potential and future trends

• Plan development projects and coordinate activities with representatives of a wide variety of industrial and commercial enterprises, community and business associations and government agencies

• Assess business opportunities and develop strategies to attract venture capital

• Respond to enquiries from members of the business community and general public concerning development opportunities

• Review and evaluate commercial or industrial development proposals and provide advice on procedures and requirements for government approval

• Conduct surveys and analyze data on the buying habits and preferences of wholesale or retail consumers

• Evaluate customer service and store environments

• Conduct research on consumers, competitors and the market place to identify trends to optimize marketing strategies for industrial and commercial products

• Analyze promotional and marketing campaigns to identify improvements

• Develop social and economic profiles of urban and rural areas to encourage industrial and commercial investment and development.

• Prepare reports, research papers, educational texts or articles

• A bachelor's degree in economics, commerce, business administration or public administration is required.

• Certification as a certified economic developer (Ec.D.) may be required.

• Certification as a Certified Marketing Research Professional (CMRP) may be required.

• Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience.