Basing their conclusions on a review of the literature and interviews with experts in the field, Schippmann et al.(2000) attempted to clarify the distinction between the two approaches. Their report identified 17 variables on which competency modeling and job analysis could be compared, and they rated each variable according to the level of rigor at which they were practiced. These variables are summarized in Table 2.1. The first 10 variables represent valuative frontend activities that can be expected to influence the quality of the inferences to be drawn from the resulting analysis Job analysis was seen as demonstrating more rigor on every evaluative criterion, with the exception of establishing a link to business goals and strategies. The final seven variables are meant to be nonevaluative and focus on the uses of the re sulting information and the type of characteristics investigated. In this case, job analysis was generally rated as less rigorous than was competency modeling except for the focus on technical skills and the development of selection and deei sion applications