Defining and Refining Problem
Statement
Dr. Bala Balachander
Learning Goals
1. How to define a problem?
2. Why is important to have a good problem definition
3. Factors to consider when defining a problem
Define the Problem
“A problem well stated is half solved”
Charles Kettering,
American Inventor
Head of GM Research
Why do you need a good problem definition?
❖ High # of failures in problem solving originate in poor problem definition
❖ Teams and Individuals start focusing on data gathering or solutioning without being
clear about
➢ Boundaries
➢ Criteria for success
➢ Time Frame
➢ Level of accuracy required
Illustration - Error in problem framing
Context
In late 90s , early 2000s, the Newspaper companies wanted to get a sense of
the impact of the Internet and competition from Internet startups in that sector
Illustration – Error in problem framing (Continued)
Most newspaper executives perceived competition from the Internet as “do the
new Internet entrants have better content (news and other writing) that
would win over the readers”
Illustration – Error in problem framing (Continued)
https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/newspapers/
Illustration – Error in problem framing (Continued)
The framing of the problem didn’t take into account one of the major sources of
revenue for newspapers – Advertising !!
Illustration – Error in problem framing (Continued)
https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/newspapers/
Test Your Understanding
Question 1
In the example with the newspaper, the primary issue with the problem framing was
A. The stakeholders were not involved
B. Didn’t account for all sources of revenue
C. Didn’t account competitive advantage such as editorial expertise
D. Ignored the Internet
Characteristics of Good Problem Statements
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Outcomes focused
Specific and Measurable wherever possible
Clearly time-bound
Designed to explicitly address decision maker values and boundaries, including
accuracy needed and scale of aspirations
Structured to allow sufficient scope for creativity and unexpected results
Solved at the highest level possible
Problem Definition Worksheet
Test Your Understanding
Question 2
Which one of the following is not a characteristic of good problem statements:
A. Specific and Measurable where possible
B. Time Bound
C. Solved at the highest level possible
D. Factor impact of technology
Takeaways
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A good problem definition and statement is critical to successful problem
solving
Problem definition is more than just the problem statement – need to know
the boundaries of the problem, timeline for the solution, accuracy required,
etc.
Crafting the problem statement is an iterative process and refine the
statement as you learn more and get more data and information
Next Up: Example of Refining a
Problem Statement