What is the correct filing order for the following four names? Dudley Wood Finishing; D A B Computers Inc; Dudette Contractors; Roberta D. Dudley.

• A. 3, 1, 4, 2
• B. 2, 3, 1, 4
• C. 2, 1, 4, 3
• D. 2, 3, 4, 1

Answer: (D)

Filing names are arranged by surname as the primary sort key, with individuals filed under their last name and organizations under the organization name, ignoring suffixes like Inc. for the purpose of sorting. Within the same surname, personal names come before corporate bodies, and entries are then ordered alphabetically by the remaining name components.

Here, the two organization names start with DAB and Dudette, so they come first in that order (DAB Computers Inc before Dudette Contractors). The other two entries involve the surname Dudley: Roberta D. Dudley is an individual, while Dudley Wood Finishing is a business name containing Dudley. Within the same surname, the individual goes before the organization, so Roberta D. Dudley comes before Dudley Wood Finishing.

Therefore, the filing order is DAB Computers Inc, Dudette Contractors, Roberta D. Dudley, Dudley Wood Finishing.