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“200”, Aptitude Test
Questions and Answers for Business Development Officer II – National Housing
Corporation - NHC.
ABSTRACT
This aptitude test assesses the
analytical, strategic, and decision-making skills required in public housing
and development projects in Tanzania. It covers key areas such as feasibility
analysis, financial evaluation, governance, risk management, data interpretation,
and alignment with national development policies.
The questions focus on practical
application of knowledge to real public-sector challenges rather than theory
alone. The test is suitable for recruitment, promotion, and capacity-building
purposes within Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), Local Government
Authorities (LGAs), and public housing institutions such as National Housing Corporation.
Prepared by: Business Development Officer
II
Compiled by Johnson Yesaya Mgelwa.
A lawyer stationed in Dar-es-salaam.
0628729934.
Date: June 1, 2025
Dear applicants,
This collection of questions and answers
has been prepared to help all of you to understand the key areas tested during
the interview. The goal is to provide a useful, and practical study guide so you
can all perform confidently and fairly in the selection process. I wish you the
best of luck, and may this resource support you in achieving success!
Warm regards,
Johnson Yesaya Mgelwa
For
Personal Use by Applicants Preparing for Business Development Officer II – National
Housing Corporation- NHC.
ALL
QUESTIONS ARE COMPILED TOGETHER.
Question 1
Which of the following is the primary
purpose of conducting a feasibility study before initiating a large housing or
satellite city project?
A. To determine the legal ownership of
land
B. To assess whether the project is viable technically, financially, and
economically
C. To estimate the total number of employees required during construction
D. To prepare final architectural drawings
Answer: B
Rationale:
A feasibility study is a comprehensive assessment undertaken to determine
whether a proposed project is viable from multiple perspectives, including
technical, financial, economic, and sometimes social dimensions. While legal
ownership, staffing, and architectural designs are important project
components, they are either preliminary checks or subsequent stages. The core
purpose of a feasibility study is to inform decision-makers whether the project
should proceed based on realistic constraints and expected benefits.
Question 2
A feasibility study for a housing project
assumes a 90% occupancy rate within the first year without citing supporting
data. What is the MOST appropriate concern?
A. The project duration is too short
B. The report lacks legal approval
C. The construction cost is underestimated
D. The assumption may overstate demand and distort projections
Answer: D
Rationale: Unsupported
assumptions can inflate projections and mislead decision-makers, especially
regarding demand-driven variables like occupancy.
Question 3
When preparing a Master Plan for a
satellite city, which consideration best ensures long-term business viability
for the National Housing Corporation?
A. Emphasizing only residential housing
units
B. Integrating residential, commercial, and social infrastructure
C. Prioritizing high-end housing regardless of demand
D. Limiting infrastructure to reduce initial capital costs
Answer: B
Rationale:
Long-term business viability in satellite city development depends on
integrated planning that combines residential, commercial, and social
infrastructure. This integration attracts diverse users, stimulates economic
activity, and ensures sustained demand. Focusing only on residential units,
ignoring market demand, or underinvesting in infrastructure may reduce upfront
costs but often leads to underutilization and weak financial performance over
time.
Question 4
Which method is MOST appropriate for
estimating future demand for housing units in a rapidly urbanizing area in
Tanzania?
A. Using historical construction costs
only
B. Applying population growth trends and income levels
C. Relying solely on current land prices
D. Assuming demand remains constant over time
Answer: B
Rationale:
Population growth trends combined with income levels provide a strong basis for
estimating future housing demand because they reflect both demographic pressure
and purchasing power. Construction costs and land prices inform supply-side
considerations but do not directly measure demand. Assuming constant demand
ignores urbanization, dynamics and leads to inaccurate projections.
Question 5
During a feasibility study, a project
shows positive economic benefits but weak financial returns. What is the MOST
appropriate interpretation?
A. The project may be socially desirable
but financially unsustainable
B. The project should proceed without modification
C. Financial analysis is less important than economic analysis
D. Economic benefits automatically guarantee profitability
Answer: A
Rationale:
A project with strong economic benefits but weak financial returns may generate
social value, such as employment or improved living standards, yet fail to
generate sufficient cash flows to sustain itself. This distinction is common in
public sector projects and requires careful consideration of subsidies,
partnerships, or redesign. Economic benefits alone do not ensure financial
sustainability.
Question 6
Which of the following best describes the
role of a Business Development Officer in compiling data for project briefs?
A. Collecting, analyzing, and
synthesizing data to support informed decision-making
B. Preparing final legal contracts for project execution
C. Supervising on-site construction activities
D. Approving budget disbursements
Answer: A
Rationale:
A Business Development Officer supports decision-making by collecting,
analyzing, and synthesizing relevant data into coherent project briefs. Legal
contracting, construction supervision, and budget approvals fall under other
specialized roles. The officer’s contribution lies in transforming raw data
into meaningful insights for planning and approval processes.
Question 7
Why is stakeholder analysis important
during the inception stage of strategic housing projects?
A. It delays project implementation
B. It increases construction costs
C. It identifies interests, influence, and potential risks
D. It replaces financial feasibility analysis
Answer: C
Rationale:
Stakeholder analysis helps identify key actors, their interests, influence, and
potential risks to the project. Early identification enables better
communication, risk mitigation, and smoother approvals. While it may require
time and resources, it does not replace financial analysis nor inherently
increase costs; instead, it reduces the likelihood of costly conflicts later.
Question 8
In the context of public sector projects,
which factor MOST distinguishes a strategic project from an ordinary
development project?
A. Size of the construction budget
B. Duration of implementation
C. Level of political attention
D. Alignment with long-term national or institutional objectives
Answer: D
Rationale:
Strategic projects are defined by their alignment with long-term national or
institutional objectives rather than budget size, duration, or political
visibility alone. Such projects contribute to broader development goals, such
as urban planning, economic growth, or social transformation. This strategic
alignment justifies prioritization and sustained institutional support.
Question 9
Which document typically consolidates
project objectives, scope, preliminary costs, and expected benefits?
A. Final project completion report
B. Preliminary project brief
C. Contractor performance evaluation
D. Site handover certificate
Answer: B
Rationale:
A preliminary project brief consolidates essential information such as
objectives, scope, estimated costs, and expected benefits to support approval
decisions. Completion reports and evaluations are prepared after
implementation, while site handover certificates relate to construction
commencement. The project brief serves as the foundation for further planning.
Question 10
When attending meetings related to
project development, the MOST important reason for accurate minute-taking is
to:
A. Satisfy administrative formality
B. Provide an official record of decisions and responsibilities
C. Replace verbal communication among team members
D. Increase the length of project documentation
Answer: B
Rationale:
Accurate minutes provide an official record of discussions, decisions, and
assigned responsibilities, ensuring accountability and continuity. They support
follow-up actions and protect institutional memory. Minutes are not mere
formalities, nor do they replace communication; rather, they complement it by
documenting agreed outcomes.
Question 11
Which section of a feasibility study MOST
directly assesses whether a housing project can be implemented with available
skills and technology?
A. Financial analysis
B. Legal analysis
C. Technical feasibility
D. Economic impact analysis
Answer: C
Rationale: Technical feasibility evaluates whether
the project can be executed using existing technology, expertise, and
infrastructure.
Question 12
During project appraisal, decision-makers
request sensitivity analysis results. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this
request?
A. To reduce construction time
B. To assess how changes in key assumptions affect outcomes
C. To compare different contractors
D. To justify political support
Answer: B
Rationale: Sensitivity analysis tests how
variations in assumptions (e.g., cost, demand) influence project viability.
Question 13
A housing project meets financial
criteria but contradicts national urban development policy. What should be the
MOST appropriate action?
A. Approve it due to profitability
B. Fast-track approval
C. Revise the project to align with policy
D. Ignore policy requirements
Answer: C
Rationale: Public projects must align with policy
objectives even if financially viable.
Question 14
Which situation BEST indicates weak
strategic coherence in a public housing programme?
A. Delayed procurement
B. Projects approved without reference to sector plans
C. Rising construction costs
D. Contractor disputes
Answer: B
Rationale: Strategic coherence requires alignment
with sectoral and institutional plans.
Question 15
Why is long-term development vision
important when selecting public housing projects?
A. It simplifies budgeting
B. It eliminates project risks
C. It reduces reporting requirements
D. It ensures projects contribute to sustained national goals
Answer: D
Rationale: Long-term vision ensures projects
deliver lasting developmental impact beyond short-term outputs.
Question 16
A housing authority builds high-income
apartments in a low-income area, resulting in low occupancy. Which planning
error MOST likely occurred?
A. Poor contractor supervision
B. Inadequate market segmentation analysis
C. High construction standards
D. Delayed approvals
Answer: B
Rationale: Failure to match housing type with
income segments leads to demand mismatch.
Question 17
Which indicator MOST reliably signals
unmet housing demand in an urban area?
A. Persistent housing shortages and
overcrowding
B. Rising land prices alone
C. Increased construction costs
D. Higher interest rates
Answer: A
Rationale: Overcrowding and shortages directly
reflect demand exceeding supply.
Question 18
Which risk is MOST associated with
inadequate market analysis in housing projects?
A. Delayed procurement
B. Cost overruns during construction
C. Technical design errors
D. Low occupancy or unsold units
Answer: D
Rationale:
Inadequate market analysis often leads to mismatches between supply and demand,
resulting in low occupancy or unsold units. While procurement delays, cost
overruns, and design errors are risks, they are more closely linked to
operational and technical issues rather than market misjudgment.
Question 19
Why is demand forecasting particularly
challenging in rapidly urbanizing regions?
A. Construction standards change
frequently
B. Legal frameworks are unclear
C. Population and income patterns shift quickly
D. Contractors are limited
Answer: C
Rationale: Rapid changes in demographics and income
make projections uncertain.
Question 20
Which competency is MOST critical for a
Business Development Officer when working with multidisciplinary teams?
A. Advanced construction skills
B. Effective communication and coordination
C. Independent decision-making without consultation
D. Specialization in a single technical field
Answer: B
Rationale:
Working with multidisciplinary teams requires effective communication and
coordination to integrate diverse expertise. Construction skills or narrow
specialization are less critical for this role. Collaborative engagement
ensures coherent planning and successful project development.
Question 21
What is the MAIN reason public
institutions prioritize business viability in strategic projects?
A. To ensure projects are self-sustaining
and reduce fiscal burden
B. To maximize private profits
C. To eliminate social considerations
D. To avoid stakeholder consultations
Answer: A
Rationale:
Public institutions prioritize business viability to ensure projects are
self-sustaining and reduce long-term fiscal burden on government resources.
This does not eliminate social considerations or stakeholder engagement.
Instead, viability supports continuity and responsible use of public funds.
Question 22
Which tool is MOST useful for comparing
alternative project options during feasibility analysis?
A. Sensitivity analysis
B. Staff attendance registers
C. Construction progress reports
D. Final audit reports
Answer: A
Rationale:
Sensitivity analysis helps compare alternative project options by testing how
changes in key assumptions affect outcomes. Attendance registers, progress
reports, and audit reports serve administrative or post-implementation purposes
and are not suited for evaluating alternatives at feasibility stage.
Question 23
Why is documentation of assumptions
important in feasibility studies?
A. To reduce the length of reports
B. To enable transparency and future review
C. To conceal data limitations
D. To replace detailed analysis
Answer: B
Rationale:
Documenting assumptions enhances transparency and allows future reviewers to
understand the basis of analysis and reassess conclusions as conditions change.
It does not shorten reports or replace analysis. Clear assumptions strengthen
accountability and analytical rigor.
Question 24
Which financial measure BEST assesses a
project’s ability to meet its ongoing obligations?
A. Net Present Value
B. Payback period
C. Cash flow adequacy
D. Internal Rate of Return
Answer: C
Rationale: Cash flow adequacy determines whether a
project can sustain operations and service obligations.
Which principle BEST guides the
assignment of “any other related duties” by a supervisor?
A. Arbitrary allocation of tasks
B. Personal preference of the supervisor
C. Relevance to the officer’s role and institutional objectives
D. Avoidance of core responsibilities
Answer: C
Rationale:
Additional duties should be guided by relevance to the officer’s role and
alignment with institutional objectives. Arbitrary task allocation or avoidance
of core responsibilities undermines effectiveness. Proper assignment ensures
flexibility while maintaining professional coherence.
Question 26
During the early planning stage of a public housing project, which action BEST
ensures that projected costs remain realistic and controllable?
A. Relying on past project budgets
without adjustment
B. Using preliminary cost estimates supported by market data and contingencies
C. Finalizing costs before site investigations
D. Excluding risk allowances to improve approval chances
Answer: B
Rationale:
Realistic and controllable project costs are achieved by developing preliminary
estimates based on current market data, site conditions, and reasonable
contingency allowances. Relying solely on past budgets, finalizing costs too
early, or excluding risk allowances increases the likelihood of cost overruns
and weakens financial credibility during implementation.
Question 27
During Master Plan preparation, why is it
important to incorporate environmental sustainability measures?
A. To increase project construction costs
B. To prioritize luxury apartments
C. To reduce the number of residential units
D. To comply with regulations and ensure long-term livability
Answer: D
Rationale:
Environmental sustainability ensures compliance with regulations, reduces
negative ecological impacts, and enhances long-term livability of developments.
It is a core component of responsible urban planning. Cost or luxury
considerations are secondary and should not compromise sustainability.
Question 28
Which of the following is MOST likely to
result from poor stakeholder consultation in strategic housing projects?
A. Increased revenue
B. Project delays and community resistance
C. Faster project approvals
D. Reduction in required permits
Answer: B
Rationale:
Poor stakeholder consultation often causes delays, resistance from affected
communities, and potential legal or reputational risks. Engaging stakeholders
early mitigates these risks. Without consultation, projects may face
opposition, litigation, or failure to meet social objectives.
Question 29
Which financial metric BEST reflects the
expected profitability of a housing development?
A. Net Present Value (NPV)
B. Number of meetings conducted
C. Amount of paper used for reports
D. Number of site inspections
Answer: A
Rationale:
NPV provides an estimate of the value a project generates over time, accounting
for the time value of money, making it a key indicator of profitability.
Administrative activities like meetings, reports, and inspections do not
directly indicate financial returns.
Question 30
In assessing the feasibility of a
public-private partnership (PPP) project, which factor is MOST important?
A. Distance to media outlets
B. Color of office interiors
C. Private partner experience and capacity
D. Number of administrative assistants
Answer: C
Rationale:
The experience and capacity of the private partner are critical for successful
PPP execution, ensuring technical, financial, and operational reliability.
Non-related factors like interior color, media proximity, or staffing do not
influence the project’s feasibility.
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