Which sequence best reflects the order implied by the material for the appraisal process?

• A. Identify the problem; Development; Reporting
• B. Development; Identify the problem; Reporting
• C. Identify the problem; Reporting; Development
• D. Reporting; Development; Identify the problem

Answer: (A)

The sequence tested is the logical flow of an appraisal: first you clearly identify the problem you’re solving, then you conduct the development work to gather and analyze the necessary data, and only after that do you prepare and present the report. Defining the problem sets the assignment’s parameters and scope, which guides what data is needed and which approaches are appropriate. With the problem defined, you move into development—gathering data, testing assumptions, and performing analysis to form credible conclusions. The report then communicates those conclusions and the supporting work so users can understand how the appraisal was conducted and why the results are credible.

Rushing to report before the work is done would leave conclusions unsupported, and starting with development without a defined problem would lack a clear assignment to guide the data and methods.