Requesting a Raise?

In A View from the Q this month, Paul Borawski asks "What’s your case for a raise?"

I believe in the premise that the work should speak for itself.  The first step is to establish goals.  Then, if we are successful at achieving our goals we should be recognized for the achievement.  In a work environment that recognition must come as a merit increase.  Therefore, the case for a raise must be established during the goal setting stage not upon completion of the activities.  If our work takes us above and beyond the established goals, then the goals should be adjusted within the cycle and not upon completion of the cycle period.