Which of the following is included in the Operational Budget?

The operational budget encompasses the day-to-day expenses required for a business to function effectively. Administrative costs are considered part of this budget as they include expenses like salaries for administrative staff, office supplies, utilities, and other recurring operational costs that support the overall business operations.

The focus of an operational budget is on the ongoing costs that maintain business functionality, which is why administrative costs are a fundamental element of this budget. They ensure that the organization can perform its basic functions without interruption.

Marketing research costs and investment costs relate more to strategic planning or capital expenditures rather than the standard operational activities. Insurance costs may be part of operational expenditures depending on the context, but they are often categorized separately since they can vary widely in nature, potentially being involved in both operational and capital budgeting. Hence, administrative costs most accurately represent an aspect of regular operational activities.