All You Need to Know About Problem Statement With 3 Examples
What is a Problem Statement?
Picture this: in the middle of work, the realization that not everything in the workplace is okay hits you.
Your colleagues are always absent or late. There's an unspoken conflict between the Marketing and Sales Departments. Your workforce's morale is low. Your stakeholders are beginning to favor your competitors in the market. It's clear to you that your workplace is facing a challenge that you need to address and find an effective solution for.
All companies are bound to face a problem or issue within their workplace. As problems are occurring, members must develop a habit of handling complex company challenges. They must also propose the appropriate solutions to address these problems.
When the manager or business leaders calls for a town hall meeting, members must attend and take part in the discussion. They have to contribute possible means to solve the problem. They also need to prepare an in-depth report about the existing problem when the managers ask for it.
Whether it's from management's or the employer's perspective, everyone should know how to deal with problems. Writing a problem statement is a step that you can do to help solve a dilemma of a company or organization to proceed to a strategic direction.
Problem statements are short summaries of a challenge happening within the workplace. It frames and contextualizes the company's problem for the members to develop solutions. Problem statements allow you to find the proper process to respond to a challenge.
This article is your guide to understanding the steps behind a problem statement. Learn the tips and tricks to making problem statements. Improve your performance in handling the challenges in your company.
- When and How to Use a Problem Statement
- On Writing an Effective Problem Statement For A Research Project
- 5 Components of a Problem Statement and Writing Problem Statements
- 3 Examples of Problem Statements
- Conclusion
- FAQs
When and How to Use a Problem Statement
Problem statements are written at the start of a project or research. This is before the proponent begins collecting the data or formulating the solutions.
Generally, problem statements are used when the workplace is experiencing a challenge. Problem statements are made to identify the root causes of the issues and propose effective responses to ease the concerns.
For example, if you notice staff members' motivation to work is low, you could begin forming your problem statement. Which members are affected or impacted by this problem? Is there a critical source as to why this concern is occurring? And what steps could we take to boost the performance level of these staff members?
You can also use problem statements to answer a concern about your stakeholders or industry leaders. Assume that your company is a local food chain with many franchises, and you notice that one of your stores is underperforming in sales.
You can use a problem statement to help determine the reason for this low number of sales. Perhaps there are existing competitors in the vicinity or the location of the store is not visible to buyers. Or, the product itself, including the marketing strategy, is not that engaging or effective.
Problem statements can also be used even if there is no problem exists. If you see an opportunity for development, you can use problem statements to improve the company or the performance of the members.
For example, you want to increase the work performance of your team members even if their current level is above average. You can make a problem statement on how you can further develop their performance depending on your findings.
Problem-solving skill is also an attribute that many companies and the workforce expect from job seekers. Nurturing your ability to propose problem statements is also beneficial for you, regardless of your career path.
On Writing an Effective Problem Statement For A Research Project
A good problem statement begins with clear research questions. It needs to be specific about the issue or problem that you want to address. Additionally, you must ensure that the question addresses the research problem.
Use simple language so that it would be easy to understand. Use conversational words and use technical terms sparingly or when necessary to create a concise statement.
It is also crucial that you consider your audience. Your readers from the marketing team might not understand your plans if you use IT jargon or phrases. You need to adjust your vocabulary according to your audience or you could face negative consequences.
5 Components of a Problem Statement and Writing Problem Statements
Scribbr notes that a problem statement should include the problem's context and significance to a population.
On the other hand, Medium adds that the problem statement should also include the possible solutions and the projected results after the solution is implemented.
When you begin writing your problem statement, we recommend including the following components, as they are essential to an effective problem statement. All these components are interrelated.
Writing a Problem Description
The problem description is essentially a single paragraph detailing the problem. Ideally, it should be concise, summarizing the issue in a way that is easy to read and understand. It should provide the readers with a brief and complete overview of the situation and the.
All the information should be based on facts and has sufficient evidence to support it. Avoid adding your opinion to the description. Be specific about the nature of the problem and avoid adding any unnecessary details that could further confuse or complicate the problem statement.
Writing the Statement of Purpose as a Proposed Solution
The Statement of purpose is a brief paragraph detailing the objective of the problem statement. It focuses on what you want to achieve when all actions are implemented.
To write the statement of purpose, visualize the end goal or things you want to achieve after addressing the problem. Ask yourself exactly how the company would improve with your research objectives. The objective should be realistic and attainable in a given period.
It should also motivate the members to devise a solution to the problem.
Writing the Scope
The scope of the problem tends to focus on factors related to the issues. For example, who or what is involved in the situation? Who or what is affected by the current concern? The scope could possibly be a particular department within the company where the problem is prevalent such as the Marketing Department, Corporate Affairs, or the IT Department. It could also be the company's stakeholders or consumers
A tip for writing the scope is to include the limitations of the actors not included in the topic. List down who or what is affected by the problem and cut any outside factors. Narrowing your scope allows your team to plan a more-defined solution to the problem.
Also Read: Scope and Limitation in a Research Paper
Writing the Significance of the Study
The significance of the study answers the why question of the problem statement. Why do we need to address the problem immediately? Why do we need to implement such actions at the soonest possible?
When you begin writing the significance of the study, take a look back at your purpose and scope. Present the advantages of addressing the problem. How will the company benefit from it? This part should also show how you visualize possible solutions.
For a well-written significance of the study, we recommend that you provide the benefits of solving the problem of the company focused on your scope. Try to ensure that your readers understand your problem statement's relevance and its need to be appropriately addressed. Even the best problem statements fall flat if the readers fail to see the point of the report. It all relies on the significance of the study.
Writing the Methodology
Your next goal in writing your problem statement is to choose a specific plan of action to gather your data. If the scope deals with the question of who or what then the methodology centers on how we address the problem itself.
Producing a survey form to gather data is one of the most popular actions to gather data. A customer feedback form is one. Another is a feedback form for employees. If you decide to pursue the survey route, make your form accessible to everyone. You can provide a physical box where respondents can submit their forms. You can also make an electronic form online so that it could be easier to accomplish your target scope.
Another approach that you could take is to conduct an interview with your scope. Have an in-depth dialogue with the people to learn their insights about the issue. Focus group discussion is one method you can use to gather precise data. You can also conduct key informant interviews as an alternative.
Ultimately, the methodology of gathering information would rely on your preference and availability. Your method must be realistic and achievable within a given time frame. This is necessary to identify problems and possible solutions at the soonest possible.
3 Examples of Problem Statements
Example 1: Improving Employee Satisfaction in a Healthcare Organization
Problem description: A recent employee survey highlighted that medical practitioners are unsatisfied with their in X hospital. Anecdotal evidence and word of mouth from the employees have corroborated these claims. How can we as a company improve our medical practitioners' satisfaction in X hospital?
Purpose Statement: The study aims to determine the root cause of the medical practitioner at X hospital's low satisfaction score. The end goal is to create an environment for the employees to be satisfied with their work.
Scope: Medical practitioners employed at X hospital
Significance of the Study: The study will improve the satisfaction of the medical practitioners as it would enhance the quality of the workplace, motivate them to perform better in X hospital, and further enhance the company.
Methodology: Data will be gathered via survey forms to be distributed to the medical practitioners at X hospital.
Example 2: Reducing Carbon Emissions in Urban Areas
Problem description: The local government has reported that a textile factory under the company's name has contributed to the growing number of carbon emissions in Tondo, Manila. There is a growing concern among workers employed in the factory and the local families residing near the area. What plan of action can we propose to reduce the factory's carbon emissions while guaranteeing our factory workers' employment?
Purpose Statement: The study aims to determine the feasible steps to reduce the growing carbon emission in the company's textile factory in Tondo, Manila. The goal is to suggest alternative approaches for the factory to continue its operations while reducing carbon emissions.
Scope: Factory workers employed in the factories of Tondo.
Significance of the Study: The study will help improve the safety of workers as well as nearby residents. Reducing the carbon emission of the area would benefit both the workers in ensuring their safety and employment and the health of the nearby local families.
Methodology: Data will be gathered through a focused group discussion with the factory workers, the local government, and invited environmental experts to suggest ideas for reducing carbon emissions near the textile factory.
Example 3: Enhancing the User Experience of a Mobile Application
Problem description: The company's recently launched mobile app, Y-Store, received positive reviews on both the Google Play and App Store. However, the number of reviews is still below the projected number of users that the company planned during the launching of the application. How can wer promote the mobile app better?
Purpose Statement: The study aims to determine the right course of action to promote the mobile application, Y-Store, to a broader audience. The end goal is to make Y-Store the preferred shopping app of frequent online shoppers.
Scope: Mobile users who downloaded the Y-Store app during its launching period.
Significance of the Study: The study will allow the company to improve the quality and customer experience when using mobile applications. It will also help the company to find better ways to promote the app, which will soon lead to better sales.
Methodology: Data will be gathered through an online survey form distributed to the registered emails of mobile users who downloaded the Y-Store application.
Conclusion
Problems occur naturally in the workplace. Creating a problem statement is necessary to identify existing problems and lay down possible solutions to address the issue. This will help differentiate dysfunctional work environments from healthy ones, reduce employee turnover and adequately address anemic corporate cultures.
Before implementing a solution to the company's problem, you must plan appropriately to maximize your options. Your problem statement is not the cure to the problem, it is only the diagnosis. Consider who are the actors in the problem, conduct preliminary research on the issue, and devise the best course of action with core tasks.
The problem statement is the first step in solving the issue, but it's also arguably the most critical part. As such, you must learn the techniques for crafting an effective problem statement. The company or the organization will benefit if every member, not only the management, knows how to create a problem statement. It will also determine the extent of the problems and solutions that can be implemented.
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FAQs
- What is the purpose of a problem statement?
The problem statement aims to identify the root cause of a present issue about the company. It aims to propose solutions to solve these concerns and the relevant issue. Additionally, problem statements are also used to determine what aspects of work need improvement.
- What are the components of a problem statement?
Generally, a problem statement comprises the following key element factors - the problem description, the purpose statement, the scope, the methodology, and the significance of the study. Each component is connected to identify the possible solution.
- How do I write an effective problem statement?
Start your problem statement with a straightforward research question and ensure it is related to the research problem. You also have to make sure that your vocabulary is suited to your audience of readers. Ask for feedback and recommendations from your readers. Improve your problem statement and make it more creative according to their response.
- What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a problem statement?
Avoid vague or unclear problem statements. Avoid making your statement too general. It might complicate the problem statement. Additionally, always include the significance of the study to have a wider relevance. It is the main reason why we are addressing the problem and why we want to provide solutions at the soonest possible time.
