Credit appraisal involves investigating a customer's financial condition and ability to repay a loan before providing financing. It assesses the commercial, financial, and technical feasibility of a proposed project. A credit proposal communicates the goal, objectives, and type of financing being requested, such as project financing. The credit approval process considers the type of borrower, source of cash flows, collateral, and amount/type of claim. A proposal can function as communication, a plan, and a contract.