Final answer:
The ease of use between IRR and NPV methods depends on the situation and the analyst's preferences. NPV is generally more accurate but both require careful financial analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether the internal rate of return (IRR) method is easier to use than the net present value (NPV) method when cash flows are uneven is not a matter of one being categorically easier than the other; rather, it depends on the context and preferences of the analyst. The NPV method involves discounting future cash flows to their present value using a chosen discount rate, and it is widely regarded as the more accurate method for evaluating investment opportunities because it can better handle different discount rates for different periods. On the other hand, IRR is the rate at which the NPV equals zero and can be more intuitive for comparing against other rates of return, though it may be more complex to calculate with uneven cash flows since it involves trial and error or sophisticated financial software. Neither method is intrinsically easier; both require careful financial analysis and an understanding of the time value of money.