Problem statement

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A problem statement is a concise description of the issues that need to be addressed by a

problem solving team and should be presented to them (or created by them) before they
try to solve the problem. When bringing together a team to achieve a particular purpose
provide them with a problem statement. A good problem statement should answer
these questions:

1. What is the problem? This should explain why the team is needed.
2. Who has the problem or who is the client/customer? This should explain who
needs the solution and who will decide the problem has been solved.
3. What form can the resolution be? What is the scope and limitations (in time,
money, resources, technologies) that can be used to solve the problem? Does the
client want a white paper? A web-tool? A new feature for a product? A
brainstorming on a topic?

The primary purpose of a problem statement is to focus the attention of the problem
solving team. However, if the focus of the problem is too narrow or the scope of the
solution too limited the creativity and innovation of the solution can be stifling.

In project management, the problem statement is part of the project charter. It lists what's
essential about the project and enables the project manager to identify the project scope
as well as the project stakeholders.[1]

A research-worthy problem statement is the description of an active challenge (i.e.

problem) faced by researchers and/or practitioners that does not have adequate solutions
available including the argumentation for its viability based on solid peer-reviewed
sources as well as theoretical foundation. The research-worthy problem statement
should address all six questions: what, how, where, when, why, and who. On the other
hand, a statement of the problem is one or two sentences claim that outlines the problem
that the study addresses. The statement of the problem should briefly address the
question: What is the problem that the research will address?[2]

[edit] References
1. ^ Defining Six Sigma Projects - Retrieved March 22, 2010
 2. ^ Ellis, T. J., & Levy, Y. (in press). A framework of problem-based research: A
guide for novice researchers. Informing Science Journal.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_statement"

Categories: Problem solving
Hidden categories: Articles with topics of unclear notability from May 2009 | All articles
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