allocation : assess and distribute

Hello Friends,

My humble understanding is such:

Allocation - means allot a fraction of something to someone.

Allocation can be achieved by assessment or distribution.

I am puzzled what is meant by assessment. What is there to assess? Why assess?

Can I say that there must be a key used for distribution? can it be % (totalled to 100%) or ratio (totalled to 1) ?

As you can see, I am total greenhorn in this area.

Please help me, if you can. I promise to award points for the best clearest answers.

Regards

Markus Z.