Which statement correctly describes segmentation, targeting, and positioning in strategic marketing planning?

• A. Segmentation identifies market segments; Targeting selects which segments to serve; Positioning defines how the product should be perceived relative to competitors.
• B. Segmentation sets pricing; Targeting builds supply chain; Positioning is about packaging.
• C. Segmentation is only for large markets; Targeting is unnecessary; Positioning is the same as branding.
• D. All of the above.

Answer: (D)

Understanding segmentation, targeting, and positioning (STP) is about dividing the market into meaningful groups, choosing which groups to serve, and shaping how the offering is perceived in those groups’ minds relative to competitors. The idea that segmentation identifies market segments, targeting selects which segments to serve, and positioning defines how the product should be perceived compared with competitors captures this flow precisely. While other statements mix in activities that aren’t core to STP—such as pricing, supply chain decisions, or packaging, or claim segmentation is only for large markets, or that targeting isn’t needed, or that positioning equals branding—these don't accurately describe the STP process.