Final answer:
Analysis reports designed for assessing the viability of a plan are called feasibility studies, which evaluate numerous considerations to determine the likelihood of project success. They are distinct from market research, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses, but can include elements of these methodologies to form a comprehensive evaluation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Analysis reports designed to assess the practicality of an idea or plan are primarily known as feasibility studies. A feasibility study evaluates all of the aspects of a project, including the economic, technical, legal, and scheduling considerations to ascertain the likelihood of completing the project successfully. They differ from other analyses like market research, which focuses on determining the potential market for a product or service; risk assessments, which identify and evaluate potential risks; and cost-benefit analyses, which compare the costs and benefits of a decision or project.
During the exploration of possibilities, as in the design process, it is important to understand a design's characteristics and its likely advantages and disadvantages. In this stage, mathematical models might be used to estimate costs and benefits for various approaches, making cost-benefit analyses useful for comparing different options. Moreover, these analyses can be applied in decision-making processes to weigh the marginal costs and benefits of adding units to a proposal.
Ultimately, the purpose of a feasibility study might include examining a problem and explaining potential solutions or recommending a specific solution after considering varying perspectives, including scientific, ethical, economic, and legal aspects.