During which phase do you understand the challenge to be solved?

The correct choice highlights the importance of understanding the problem being addressed, which is fundamental to the data analytics process. During the Ask phase, analysts engage in identifying the specific questions that need to be answered or the challenges that require resolution. This phase is crucial for setting the direction for the entire project, as it ensures that the right problems are being targeted and helps in shaping the objectives of the analysis.

Understanding the challenge involves gathering context about the issue at hand, including who is affected, why it matters, and how it aligns with business objectives. This foundational step lays the groundwork for further phases such as data preparation, analysis, and actionable insights. If this phase is overlooked or not adequately addressed, it can lead to misguided data collection and analysis efforts, ultimately affecting the quality of the outcomes.

Recognizing the challenge in the Ask phase is essential for ensuring that subsequent steps are aligned with solving the right problems.