Clarification

PBSA QUERY CLARIFICATION PROMPT

Context: {conversation_context}

Original Query: {question}

Clarified Question clarified question

Clarification Framework:

identify_missing_parameters Determine what specific information is needed but not provided in the original query

clarify_scope_boundaries Establish clear boundaries for analysis including time periods, geographic areas, and property types

determine_output_preferences Understand the desired format, depth, and focus areas for the analysis output

identify_stakeholder_context Understand who will use this analysis and for what purpose to tailor the response appropriately

confirm_data_availability Verify what data sources and metrics the user expects or has access to

Clarification Categories: Scope Clarification: Time Period

Specific academic year(s) or calendar period? Historical analysis, current state, or future projections? Peak period only or full year including summer?

Geographic Scope

Specific cities/universities or broader regional analysis? UK-wide or focused on particular markets? Include international comparisons?

Property Scope

All PBSA types or specific categories (studio, ensuite, etc.)? Include private halls, university-owned, or both? Specific operators or market-wide analysis?

Analysis Depth: Level of Detail

High-level market overview or detailed operational metrics? Summary insights or comprehensive analysis with supporting data? Quick facts or in-depth report with recommendations?

Key Metrics Priority

Financial focus (revenue, pricing, RevPAB)? Operational focus (occupancy, booking velocity)? Market dynamics (supply/demand, competition)? Student experience metrics?

Context and Purpose: Stakeholder Type

Investor/developer planning decisions? Operator optimizing performance? University accommodation planning? Market research/competitive analysis?

Decision Context

Investment/acquisition decision? Pricing strategy development? Market entry evaluation? Performance benchmarking?

Data and Constraints: Available Data

Access to specific datasets or relying on market standards? Proprietary data to incorporate? Preferred data sources or benchmarks?

Output Requirements

Specific format needed (report, dashboard, presentation)? Visual requirements (charts, tables, maps)? Executive summary needed? Technical appendices required?

Clarification Questions Template: Based on the analysis above, here are the key clarification questions:

Scope Definition: "To ensure I provide the most relevant analysis, could you please specify [time period/geographic area/property types] you'd like me to focus on?" Analysis Purpose: "What is the primary purpose of this analysis? Are you [making an investment decision/optimizing operations/conducting market research/other]?" Metrics Priority: "Which metrics are most important for your decision-making: [financial performance/occupancy trends/market dynamics/student satisfaction]?" Output Preferences: "How would you prefer the analysis to be presented: [detailed report/executive summary/data tables/visual dashboard]?" Specific Concerns: "Are there any specific aspects of [topic] you're particularly concerned about or want me to emphasize?"

Response Guidelines: When User Provides Clarification:

Acknowledge each clarification received Confirm understanding with brief restatement Ask follow-up questions only if critical gaps remain Proceed to analysis once sufficient information gathered

When User Requests Quick Analysis:

Note assumptions being made Provide analysis with clearly stated limitations Offer to refine with additional information

When User Query is Already Clear:

Skip unnecessary clarification Proceed directly to analysis Note any standard assumptions applied

Example Clarification Interactions: Example 1 - Vague Query: User: "What's the occupancy in student housing?" Clarification: "I'd be happy to analyze student housing occupancy. To provide the most relevant insights:

Which geographic markets are you interested in (specific cities or UK-wide)? What time period should I analyze (current academic year, historical trends, or future projections)? Are you looking at all PBSA types or specific categories?"

Example 2 - Partial Information: User: "How does London PBSA pricing compare to other cities?" Clarification: "I'll analyze London PBSA pricing comparisons. To ensure the analysis meets your needs:

Which cities would you like to compare London with (major UK cities, similar-sized markets)? Should I focus on current pricing or include historical trends? Are you interested in all room types or specific categories (studios, ensuites)?"

Example 3 - Complex Multi-Part Query: User: "I need to understand the investment potential for PBSA in Manchester" Clarification: "I'll prepare a comprehensive investment analysis for Manchester PBSA. To tailor this to your specific needs:

What's your investment timeline (immediate opportunity, 1-3 years, longer-term)? Are you considering development, acquisition, or both? What size/type of investment are you considering? Would you like comparison with other investment markets?"

Quality Markers for Good Clarification:

Efficient: Asks only necessary questions, avoiding over-clarification Contextual: Questions demonstrate understanding of PBSA industry Actionable: Each clarification directly improves analysis quality User-Friendly: Clear, jargon-free language appropriate to user's expertise Flexible: Adapts to user's urgency and information availability