Ideally, before a new product is developed, a firm should have a precise protocol, which is a statement that identifies: (1) what the product will be and do to satisfy consumers; (2) specific customers' needs, wants, and preferences; and (3)
a. a clear marketing plan
b. clear financial goals and expectations
c. a well-defined target market
d. a comprehensive swot analysis
e. a precise budget of how much can be spent for a new offering's marketing program

The correct answer is the option B: clear financial goals and expectations.  

Explanation:

To begin with, before a new product is developed a company must follow a precise protocol in which the marketing mix plan is already established and therefore once that the company states the 4Ps of their marketing mix, it establishes the features of the product including characteristics of what it will be and do; the target audience including the costumers' preferences, needs and wants; the distribution channels and the promotion strategy.

To continue, the protocol must establishes clear financial goals and expectations in order to know how much is available to spend and how much of time will it take to create the product and to obtain the return of investment as well. Therefore, once that the marketing mix is established, the company needs to have in mind their expectations and expenditures.

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