5.2 What an interim review should establish

An effective review answers five questions.

5.2.1 What problem is the project addressing?

State the organizational concern, management question, analytical questions, intended audience, and scope. If these have changed, explain why.

5.2.2 What has been established so far?

Present verified evidence, such as confirmed variable definitions, reproducible data-quality findings, documented secondary sources, stable descriptive patterns, baseline models, or tested projection assumptions. Do not use polished visuals to make uncertain work appear final.

5.2.3 What remains uncertain?

Identify unresolved definitions, data gaps, model limitations, client questions, and competing interpretations. Explain the consequence of each uncertainty.

5.2.4 Is the project on track?

Assess scope, quality, dependencies, workload, and remaining calendar time. “We are on track” is a conclusion that requires evidence. A revised timeline, completed milestones, open-risk count, and remaining review cycles provide stronger support.

5.2.5 What is needed next?

End with specific decisions, feedback requests, action owners, and near-term milestones. Reviewers should know where their input is most valuable.