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An Example Of A Problem Statement

By Arnold Monk

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 22Mar2012
Word count: 1148
Viewed: 110 time(s)

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Is it easy to give an example?

It is not easy to provide an example of a Problem Statement.

It rather depends on what features you wish to consider when you start to consider the problem. That is, an example is not particularly useful, but, the process for getting one is.

Concentrate on the latter and the example will follow.

What is a problem?

A problem can encompass quite a range of definitions. If you run a project, or are involved in any other activity, hurdles and issues can arise at any stage. For a project the main problem could be a definition of the product itself and how to achieve it. Lower down in the project work structure a problem could relate to a particular stage or a mere issue within a smaller activity.

A problem may be technical, related to budgets, a quality issue or impact on project durations. Recognising the problem that you have is one thing, knowing its constraints and defining it is another.

Why define a problem?

Everyone thinks in a different way. People will perceive a problem differently to their neighbour and because of this they will tend to come up with different solutions. This doesn't mean that any one of these solutions is incorrect. Ten solutions could all solve a problem but have differing impact on other aspects such as costs, quality and any time constraints.

Hence, it is important that all agree on exactly what the problems and in relation to these other aspects. If not personnel could easily be pulling in, correct, but opposite directions. By getting the input of many people the resultant solution should be viable and have amore chance of success.

This approach can have a large impact on raising morale. The whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

Techniques to use

Remember that a Problem Statement is not the same as a Mission Statement. Once you have defined the problem you will then need to consider particular strategies to overcome it. SWOT analysis is a good starting point as a technique for evaluating strategies perhaps in league with the use of brain storming.

Gather together those persons that will have a strategic input into the Problem Statement either at project, stage or activity level. Ask each person to write down their version of what they believe the issue to be.

Gather these together and generate an agreed draft Problem Statement based on these. Now begin to raise other issues for discussion such as cost, quality and time considerations. Encourage questions and develop feedback and write it all down in plain sight.

Once you have done all of this review the draft and agree a final version of the Problem Statement. For a large project with a very important issue to solve you may wish to come back to it a few days later to review it from a refreshed viewpoint.

As well as writing about areas such as strategy, for example, we produce simple jargon free information covering a wide area for business and personal use. If you want more information why not take a look at Project management

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