Problem statement definition pdf

Process improvement projects are used by many businesses and organizations to make improvements in the way they operate. Several things are important to a successful process improvement project, but every project begins with identifying the problem that needs to be resolved. Understanding what a problem statement is and how to write one can help you become more successful when working on process improvement projects. In this article, we discuss what a problem statement is and the key elements of a problem statement with an example.

A problem statement is a concise description of the problem or issues a project seeks to address. The problem statement identifies the current state, the desired future state and any gaps between the two. A problem statement is an important communication tool that can help ensure everyone working on a project knows what the problem they need to address is and why the project is important.

A problem statement is important to a process improvement project because it helps clearly identify the goals of the project and outline the scope of a project.

It also helps guide the activities and decisions of the people who are working on the project. The problem statement can help a business or organization gain support and buy-in for a process improvement project. Related: Analytical Skills: Definitions and Examples.

There are four key elements you should include when writing a problem statement:. The first thing your problem statement should describe is what the ideal situation would be if there wasn't a problem you needed to address. This section identifies the goals and scope of the project are. This section should create a clear understanding of what the ideal environment will be once the issue has been resolved. The next section of your problem statement should describe what the current reality is for your company or organization.

This section will identify what the problem is, state why it is a problem and identify who the problem is impacting. It will also describe when and where the problem was identified. The next section of your problem statement should identify what the consequences of the problem are. This section describes the effects of the problem by describing how the people affected by the problem are being impacted and quantifying how much the problem is impacting them. Common consequences can include the loss of time, money, resources, competitive advantage, productivity and more.

The proposal section of a problem statement may contain several possible solutions to the problem, but it is important to remember that it does not need to identify a specific solution. The purpose of the proposal section should be to guide the project team on how they can research, investigate and resolve the problem.

A good problem statement can be created by identifying and answering several questions related to the problem. The process used to write a problem statement should involve answering questions using a method commonly known as 5W2H. This process involves identifying what the problem is, why it is a problem, when and where the problem was identified, who the problem impacts, how they are impacted by the problem and how much of an impact the problem has. You can use the following process to craft a problem statement that addresses the following:.

Before you can begin writing your problem statement, you first need to identify what the problem is. Next, you can begin writing your problem statement by describing what the ideal environment would look like if your problem didn't exist. This section should try to describe what your company hopes to accomplish as a result of the process improvement project.

Next, write the reality section of your problem statement. Give at least reasons why the problem you have chosen is important and valid. To you? To the profession? To society? Specify at least two concrete examples of the problem. To what published work, statistics, trends or theoretical controversy does your study relate?

Does your study have as a goal to change something? To understand something? To interpret an event or situation? State your goal completely, remembering that the goal is some form of investigative activity. Now, restate the goal succinctly and clearly.

Have a classmate or the instructor read it and then see if they can restate your purpose or goal clearly after reading your statement.

Restate the goal again beginning with the phrase "The purpose of this study is Propose a Possible Methodology Revisit the method we covered earlier in the semester. Which of them could you conceivably use and describe the possible strengths and weaknesses. If there is no clear best choice, consider more than one possibility. If you can reduce your problem and research inquiry to the variable level usually based upon some previous research you have identified , suggest some variables that you might examine.

Significance for your own assessment How would you provide a persuasive rationale to such a person? What can happen if your study is done? How will things change? Or not change? Problem Statement The third part of a planning document is the Statement of the Problem. We identified the problem in the Assessment Section by using statistics. Do not forget Foundations and agencies are interested in people problems not the problems of your agency.

Be sure to couch your problem statement in terms of people problems. The fourth part of a planning document is the Statement of Objectives. The fifth part of a planning document is your plan or Methodology for solving problems you've identified. The plan for correcting the problem is your Proposal, because a Proposal is a planning document. The sixth part of a proposal is your evaluation. Here you document how well your project went and how you will answer the question: "How well did you meet your objectives?

Now, go back and look at an example of the six sections of a planning document. This example will help you logically move from the Introduction section of the proposal to the Methods section. Teaching new clients about agency services Assessment How well are the needs being met? We need more money, because we don't have the funds to reach all the potential clients Is that the best way to word your problem statement?

Remember to couch your problem in people-oriented terms. Like this problem: "Half the potential clients in our target area don't have the information they need to access the specified service. Now, we can go to the fourth part of a planning document-- the Statement of the Objectives. Objectives describe what is to be achieved. Then, the fifth part is the Methodology, which describes how your objectives will be achieved.

Last, but very important, is the Evaluation, which describes how well you meet your objectives. In your proposal show how you will collect data so you can document what percent of the potential clients in the district are able to access the specified service. Let's recap. A proposal is a plan that requires proof and deals with people problems. If you carry your written dialogue through the six steps required in a planning document, your document will tell your reader: A.

How successful you are at doing what you do; C. What the problem is and what additional help is needed; D. What your objectives are; E. How you plan to go about meeting your objectives and solving your problem; F. How you will document how well you met your objectives and solved the problem.

Steps A and B above are usually handled in the Introduction section of your proposal. Step C is your Statement of the Problem section in your proposal. Step D is your Objectives section. Step E is your Methodology section. Step F is your Evaluation section.

A proposal is a plan that deals with people problems.