Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

  • Knowledge Base
  • Starting the research process
  • How to Write a Problem Statement | Guide & Examples

How to Write a Problem Statement | Guide & Examples

Published on November 6, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 20, 2023.

A problem statement is a concise and concrete summary of the research problem you seek to address. It should:

  • Contextualize the problem. What do we already know?
  • Describe the exact issue your research will address. What do we still need to know?
  • Show the relevance of the problem. Why do we need to know more about this?
  • Set the objectives of the research. What will you do to find out more?

Table of contents

When should you write a problem statement, step 1: contextualize the problem, step 2: show why it matters, step 3: set your aims and objectives.

Problem statement example

Other interesting articles

Frequently asked questions about problem statements.

There are various situations in which you might have to write a problem statement.

In the business world, writing a problem statement is often the first step in kicking off an improvement project. In this case, the problem statement is usually a stand-alone document.

In academic research, writing a problem statement can help you contextualize and understand the significance of your research problem. It is often several paragraphs long, and serves as the basis for your research proposal . Alternatively, it can be condensed into just a few sentences in your introduction .

A problem statement looks different depending on whether you’re dealing with a practical, real-world problem or a theoretical issue. Regardless, all problem statements follow a similar process.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

The problem statement should frame your research problem, giving some background on what is already known.

Practical research problems

For practical research, focus on the concrete details of the situation:

  • Where and when does the problem arise?
  • Who does the problem affect?
  • What attempts have been made to solve the problem?

Theoretical research problems

For theoretical research, think about the scientific, social, geographical and/or historical background:

  • What is already known about the problem?
  • Is the problem limited to a certain time period or geographical area?
  • How has the problem been defined and debated in the scholarly literature?

The problem statement should also address the relevance of the research. Why is it important that the problem is addressed?

Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to do something groundbreaking or world-changing. It’s more important that the problem is researchable, feasible, and clearly addresses a relevant issue in your field.

Practical research is directly relevant to a specific problem that affects an organization, institution, social group, or society more broadly. To make it clear why your research problem matters, you can ask yourself:

  • What will happen if the problem is not solved?
  • Who will feel the consequences?
  • Does the problem have wider relevance? Are similar issues found in other contexts?

Sometimes theoretical issues have clear practical consequences, but sometimes their relevance is less immediately obvious. To identify why the problem matters, ask:

  • How will resolving the problem advance understanding of the topic?
  • What benefits will it have for future research?
  • Does the problem have direct or indirect consequences for society?

Finally, the problem statement should frame how you intend to address the problem. Your goal here should not be to find a conclusive solution, but rather to propose more effective approaches to tackling or understanding it.

The research aim is the overall purpose of your research. It is generally written in the infinitive form:

  • The aim of this study is to determine …
  • This project aims to explore …
  • This research aims to investigate …

The research objectives are the concrete steps you will take to achieve the aim:

  • Qualitative methods will be used to identify …
  • This work will use surveys to collect …
  • Using statistical analysis, the research will measure …

The aims and objectives should lead directly to your research questions.

Learn how to formulate research questions

The only proofreading tool specialized in correcting academic writing - try for free!

The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts and by native English editors. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students.

problem solving statement examples

Try for free

You can use these steps to write your own problem statement, like the example below.

Step 1: Contextualize the problem A family-owned shoe manufacturer has been in business in New England for several generations, employing thousands of local workers in a variety of roles, from assembly to supply-chain to customer service and retail. Employee tenure in the past always had an upward trend, with the average employee staying at the company for 10+ years. However, in the past decade, the trend has reversed, with some employees lasting only a few months, and others leaving abruptly after many years.

Step 2: Show why it matters As the perceived loyalty of their employees has long been a source of pride for the company, they employed an outside consultant firm to see why there was so much turnover. The firm focused on the new hires, concluding that a rival shoe company located in the next town offered higher hourly wages and better “perks”, such as pizza parties. They claimed this was what was leading employees to switch. However, to gain a fuller understanding of why the turnover persists even after the consultant study, in-depth qualitative research focused on long-term employees is also needed. Focusing on why established workers leave can help develop a more telling reason why turnover is so high, rather than just due to salaries. It can also potentially identify points of change or conflict in the company’s culture that may cause workers to leave.

Step 3: Set your aims and objectives This project aims to better understand why established workers choose to leave the company. Qualitative methods such as surveys and interviews will be conducted comparing the views of those who have worked 10+ years at the company and chose to stay, compared with those who chose to leave.

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

  • Sampling methods
  • Simple random sampling
  • Stratified sampling
  • Cluster sampling
  • Likert scales
  • Reproducibility

 Statistics

  • Null hypothesis
  • Statistical power
  • Probability distribution
  • Effect size
  • Poisson distribution

Research bias

  • Optimism bias
  • Cognitive bias
  • Implicit bias
  • Hawthorne effect
  • Anchoring bias
  • Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

All research questions should be:

  • Focused on a single problem or issue
  • Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
  • Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
  • Specific enough to answer thoroughly
  • Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
  • Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

Writing Strong Research Questions

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

Your research objectives indicate how you’ll try to address your research problem and should be specific:

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 20). How to Write a Problem Statement | Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved February 7, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/problem-statement/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to choose a dissertation topic | 8 steps to follow, how to define a research problem | ideas & examples, writing strong research questions | criteria & examples, what is your plagiarism score.

Advisory boards aren’t only for executives. Join the LogRocket Content Advisory Board today →

LogRocket blog logo

  • Product Management
  • Solve User-Reported Issues
  • Find Issues Faster
  • Optimize Conversion and Adoption

How to write a problem statement: Template and examples

problem solving statement examples

In your time as a product manager, it is likely that you and your team will face many different customer pain points, needs, and opportunities. Problems (and the reasons why they occur) always seem to be never ending — whether it’s customers complaining about your product’s poor user experience, its high cost, or other issues that seem innocuous to you but serious to your customers.

How To Write A Problem Statement: Template And Examples

There are a number of different problems for your team to solve, and these problems can also be poorly defined from a customer perspective. This implies that it’s difficult to figure out what you and your team need to do to remedy the vague or little known pain point.

As a product manager, it is your responsibility to help define the problem, to scope and set boundaries over it, and to point to a definition of success for resolving that problem. This helps your team understand the issues that your customers are facing, ideate potential solutions, and make necessary trade-offs.

The description, definition, and scope of the problem can be succinctly described as part of a problem statement. In this article, we will walk through what a problem statement in product management is, the advantages of having a well-defined problem statement, key frameworks to use when defining your problem statement, and elements of an effective problem statement.

What is a problem statement?

As mentioned in the name, a problem statement is a written statement about the customer problem — usually expressed as a pain point, need, or opportunity — that you and your team are trying to resolve. You can do this by either coming up with a technical solution ( like an initiative that becomes epics and user stories) or consulting about it with another function of the organization. For example, if the pain point relates to pricing, it’s best to consult with your revenue and account management team.

Although it sounds simple in theory, it can be a difficult and frustrating exercise in practice. Firstly, problems can be ill-defined by the customer in the first place — meaning that it doesn’t necessarily have the shape and structure to enable your team to find a well-scoped solution. Furthermore, there may be a number of different hidden problems masking the “real reason” the issue occurred in the first place.

As such, time needs to be invested to figure out if the problem presented by the customer at first instance is the real and only problem, or if there are layers underneath that need to be explored to determine if there is a deeper, systemic issue instead.

It helps to have a well-structured, evidence-based problem statement that allows your team to dial into the actual problem. A focused solution can then be implemented to resolve the real or foundational customer need, pain point, or opportunity presented by the problem statement.

The advantages of having a well-defined problem statement

There are a number of advantages to having a well-defined problem statement. We’ll go over them in detail below.

Helps see the problem from the customer’s perspective

Problem statements are usually written from the customer’s point of view. That is, it usually considers the types of problems that the customer faces because of the “life role” they are currently using your product for. Whether your product is a web or mobile application, whether it’s for consumer or business consumption, or whether it’s a SaaS product, chances are that your customer is facing the problem with your product based on what they are at that moment.

For example, a customer of a social media application will have different problems, pain points, needs, or opportunities compared to a customer of a stock trading platform application. They are trying to do different things on each individual app, and due to this, they will run into different problems that only they will experience as the bespoke customers of your application.

problem solving statement examples

Over 200k developers and product managers use LogRocket to create better digital experiences

problem solving statement examples

Creates an understanding of the job that the customer is trying to do with your product

Further along to the first point, by seeing the role that your customer is playing at the moment of using your product, you also get the chance to understand the job that they are trying to complete by using your product.

A job in this sense is different from what you might think about traditionally — this is the thing that they are trying to complete at that point in time. The only way that they can complete the thing is by using the functions and features from your product.

By understanding the job that your customer is trying to achieve with the product, along with the “life role” they are playing when using your product, your team will have a unique understanding of the problems that they are facing and the reasons why those problems are serious. They are preventing the customer from getting the job done.

Say you are a social media user. A possible job that you want to get done is to post a picture on the internet for your friends to see. To do that, you need to have a function or feature on the app that allows you to choose a picture from your camera roll and possibly have a chance to edit or tweak the photo before posting it online. However, if the upload button is not working, you can’t post your pictures on the internet and, as a result, can’t get your job done.

Keeps the team focused on delivering a real solution to solve a real problem

As we wrap up to the above two points, by understanding both the role and job that the customer is trying to achieve, your team focuses on the actual pain point and translates this focus into a viable solution.

This helps the team avoid the build trap, e.g., building functions and features for the sake of building. Instead, a well-written problem statement should help them really understand the “why” and “what” they are building, as well as the connection that the solution has to the pain point, issue, or opportunity.

Frameworks to use when defining a problem statement

In structuring a proper problem statement, it can help to fall back on several tried and tested frameworks, methods, and theories.

Writing from a user persona perspective

A user persona is a fictional profile based on your real life user’s traits, which should be a reflection of your product’s typical customer . By having a well-developed user persona, a product manager is capable of understanding the key traits, goals, and responsibilities of their typical customer. This enables them to translate that understanding into problem discovery and focus from a customer’s perspective.

In the context of developing a problem statement, a user persona is useful to assist you in understanding the exact job that they want to complete on your application or product. By understanding the job that they want to get done based on the goals and traits of their user persona, you will gain deeper insight into the real reasons why they are experiencing the problem and how best you can solve it.

The Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) Framework

Based on Anthony Ulwick’s book What Customers Want , the Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) framework stems from the idea that customers buy products and services to get the job done. In using your product, a customer will decide whether or not they will purchase or continue using your product based on how well it delivers on the outcomes that they are looking for, e.g. the job that they want to get done by using your product.

Using the JTBD framework together with a well crafted user persona provides you a holistic view of the customer, what they want to do with your product, why they want to do that particular job using your product, and the current problems preventing them from getting said job done using your product.

In this way, you help narrow your problem statement down to issues that, if resolved, will help with the resumption or increased frequency of the customer getting the job done using your product.

Problem statement template

Using the frameworks above, a typical problem statement sounds something like this:

As a [USER];

I’m trying to [MOTIVATION];

So I can [EXPECTED OUTCOME];

But [PROBLEM];

Which makes me feel [EMOTION].

You can use that as a template to write successful, actionable problem statements. You don’t need anything super fancy, as long as you hit on these points to get a holistic view of the problem:

Problem Statement Template Graphic

The following is a breakdown of how we write this:

Examples of realistic problem statements

Going off of the previous section where we looked at a problem statement template, let’s now review some examples:

Follow the above tips and you’ll be writing expertly crafted and well defined problem statements in no time. Thanks!

Featured image source: IconScout

LogRocket generates product insights that lead to meaningful action

Get your teams on the same page — try LogRocket today.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • #collaboration and communication
  • #product strategy

problem solving statement examples

Stop guessing about your digital experience with LogRocket

Recent posts:.

Ryan Salsman Leader Spotlight

Leader Spotlight: Optimizing for happiness, with Ryan Salsman

Ryan Salsman, Vice President of Digital Product at West Shore Home, discusses his leadership principle of “optimizing for happiness.”

problem solving statement examples

Illustrating the user experience with customer journey maps

A customer journey map is a flowchart that depicts the various stops that customers make before, during, and after purchasing.

problem solving statement examples

Strategies for developing critical thinking skills

Critical thinking is a disciplined way of understanding, applying, and evaluating information from various sources to make informed judgments.

problem solving statement examples

Leader Spotlight: Spiritualizing the work life, with Faline Wu

Faline Wu, SVP of Product Management at Better, talks about how to “spiritualize the work-life” by practicing compassion at work.

problem solving statement examples

One Reply to "How to write a problem statement: Template and examples"

write a problem statement on sales in fashion industry

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

How to write a problem statement: a step-by-step guide

what is a problem statement cover photo

Many great business ideas begin with a crucial problem that needed solving. While product teams and designers may be eager to build solutions, it pays to not rush your product out the door. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe,” you might understand why.

Instead of immediately switching into solution-mode, there’s value in taking time to understand a problem from all angles. One of the best ways to properly diagnose and solve problems is to write a problem statement.

In this article, we explain what problem statements are, how to write one, and share a few examples.

What is a problem statement?

Problem statements summarize a challenge you want to resolve, its causes, who it impacts, and why that’s important. They often read like a concise overview managers can share with stakeholders and their teams.

what is a problem statement definition

Why are problem statements important?

Problem statements help you share details about a challenge facing your team. Instead of rushing to a solution, writing a problem statement enables you to reflect on the challenge and plan your response.

The high-level perspective a problem statement offers lets teams focus on the factors they need to change. Managers also use this top-down vantage to oversee their teams as they work out solutions.

When to use a problem statement

Any time you face a challenge is an opportunity to write a problem statement. You can write a problem statement to improve operations in different contexts. For example, you might use a problem statement to:

  • Refine project proposals: Managers write project proposals to solve user issues. Problem statements inform these proposals, shaping their goals, plans, and approaches.
  • Develop your product offering: Many startups build their business model on solving a long-standing problem. Problem statements help clarify a company’s mission and core product design .
  • Clarify the outcome of solving a problem: Problem statements point out the long-term benefits of solving the issue, which can help you put the problem into context for stakeholders and secure necessary resources.
  • Collaborate with multiple teams: You can rally teams around a common goal if you frame it as a shared problem. Collaboration ensures you examine the problem and reach solutions from all possible angles.
  • Improve the user experience: Problem statements can identify pain points and ways to enhance a product. When teams act on problem statements, this can improve UX.

What are the elements of a problem statement?

You can break problem statements into a few core elements. While the format of a problem statement is flexible, aim to include the following:

  • Gap: the challenge, issue, or pain point you currently face
  • Orientation: a description of when and where you found the problem and the trend it creates or follows
  • Impact: a measure of your problem’s consequences in cost, time, quality, environment, or personal experience
  • Importance: why this problem matters to your organization and customers

problem statement elements

How to write a problem statement

Now that you understand the elements of a problem statement, you can write your own in five key steps.

how to write a problem statement

1. Identify the problem

Start by pointing out an issue and gathering data. Put yourself in the support or production environment where the problem arises and try to experience it firsthand. When gathering data, look for trends or overarching themes—they may help you find the root cause of your problem later.

After seeing the problem for yourself, interview others who know about it. Start with employees who run into the problem or offer support for it. In some cases, they may have a design brief with more information on the issue. Beyond that, customer testimonials and stakeholder interviews can lay out the full scope of your problem.

2. Put the problem into context

Describe how the problem impacts customers and stakeholders. Avoid personal bias and focus on developing a clear perspective. This approach helps prioritize the issue and explain why you need to solve it. If customers can't reach the benefits of your product because of an issue, that's a high-priority concern. If you’ve ever conducted design research , this process should feel similar.

You can put a problem into context by asking:

  • Does the problem lead to a reputational, financial, or logistical cost?
  • Is the main issue a symptom of a greater challenge?
  • Has your team already tried to solve this problem? Why didn’t past solutions work?
  • What do you and your team definitely know about the current problem?

3. Find the root cause

Ask yourself "why" questions about the problem to find its origin point. Your initial assumptions about a problem might stand in the way, so as you learn more about the issue, don’t be afraid to change how you look at it. You'll get closer to the root cause as you reframe your understanding around these discoveries.

If you need help uncovering the root cause or challenging your initial assumptions, these templates can help:

  • The 5 whys template helps you get to the root cause of a problem.
  • Reverse brainstorming templates reverse the way you frame problems to find new solutions.
  • A DMAIC template lets you define, measure, analyze, improve, and control a problem.
  • Mind map templates allow for brainstorming causes, effects, and solutions in a shared space.

4. Describe your ideal outcome

Now that you understand the problem, think about your ideal outcome. Whether you're solving a problem with your product or an internal process, remember to avoid scenarios where you put a Band-Aid on the issue. Even if you can avoid specific symptoms in the short term, letting a core problem go unsolved can lead to other setbacks later.

In some cases, you can describe safeguards that let a process work as intended. You can also write an alternative process that avoids the issue altogether. This ideal outcome will inform your goals and objectives in the next step.

5. Propose a solution and outline its benefits

Finally, your problem statement should include solutions to the problem. Including more than one solution gives stakeholders and your team options for deciding your approach. Note the benefits of each solution, highlighting why it stands a chance of working or how it can save on time and costs.

To ensure you arrive at the best solution, be sure to:

  • Ask your team if the proposed solution matches their understanding of the problem.
  • Consider more than one solution. Sometimes, you can choose between multiple options or apply more than one solution at once.
  • Include long-term financial, intangible, and operational benefits the solution provides.
  • Consider whether your solution has blind spots or causes changes that could lead to more issues.

Problem statement examples

Now that you know how to write problem statements, here are some examples.

Example 1: Support ticket wait times

Suppose you’re a support manager at a midsize SaaS company. Ideally, you want to respond to every support request within a few hours. However, your team can’t reach turnaround times fast enough to meet customer expectations. Start by breaking down the elements of your problem statement:

  • Gap: Customers have long wait times for their support tickets to get a response.
  • Orientation: This problem began in the last few months and has only worsened.
  • Impact: Customers aren't happy with their quality of service, and your teams feel burnt out from trying to keep up.
  • Importance: Retaining customers with support is essential for sustaining your business.

Now that we’ve laid out the details, we can format it as a problem statement:

  • Identify the problem: You have high support ticket turnaround times. Gather data by tracking how the time has lengthened in the past few months and talking to customers about inconsistencies in wait times.
  • Put it into context: Customers upset about their wait could switch to competitors. You initially assumed it was seasonal demand rising, but wait times haven’t tapered off, which could cause reputational and financial problems.
  • Find the root cause: You initially assumed demand had increased. Support tickets have remained steady, but your AI support designed to solve minor problems has had fewer tickets. This lack of AI support has your teams stretched thin.
  • Describe your ideal outcome: AI support should be able to handle more advanced queries. This way, your service teams can focus solely on tickets too advanced for AI.
  • Propose a solution: Choose between assigning devs to revamp your AI or investing in a new solution to handle tickets. You can also consider reworking support agents' workflows to focus more on direct customer contact.

Example 2: New feature development

Assume you're a project manager at a tech company. You offer a platform that tracks goals and finds inefficiencies in your programmer's workflows. Your leadership wants to release a tool that lets customers estimate the amount of money earned for each workflow issue they correct. However, you aren't sure you have the resources to implement the feature.

  • Gap: You need to create a payoff calculator, but you may not have the necessary resources.
  • Orientation: The problem began when you received the assignment. The more time you spend researching the new tool , the less time you have to implement it.
  • Impact: Failure to get this feature off the ground will give competitors who offer this tool an advantage.
  • Importance: You need this feature to stand out from competitors and for lead generation.

With this information, you can turn it into a problem statement:

  • Identify the problem: Your team doesn’t have the resources to design and implement a new feature. Start by interviewing stakeholders and employees who have worked on tools like this—they can explain the issues and solutions that go into adding this feature.
  • Put it into context: Not implementing this feature would give competitors an edge and potentially push customers interested in payoff calculators away from your product.
  • Find the root cause: Your team currently isn't tracking the necessary metrics to use in an ROI calculator. Your team also doesn't have enough experience with the kind of tool to build it from scratch.
  • Describe your ideal outcome: Your devs add the calculator to your platform. This feature draws in new customers interested in the tool and helps current ones make the switch.
  • Propose a solution: Your devs learn more about the feature’s framework and add the ability to track ROI-centric metrics. From there, you can create a project roadmap to get this feature added to the platform in a few months.

Problem statement template

Ready to start writing your own problem statement? Try our problem statement template below.

problem statement example cover photo

Get your team on the same page to solve problems faster

Project managers used to putting out fires can tell you how much of their job comes down to problem-solving. But before working on solutions, you need to organize your team around a clear problem statement. Find actionable, collaborative solutions by rallying everyone around a shared understanding of a problem.

Once you square away your problem statement, check out our library of over 300 templates . With FigJam, your team can plan and strategize around every step of your project. The right online whiteboard helps you exchange feedback and loop in other teams to find solutions faster.

Go to next section

How to Write Problem Statements You’ll Actually Use

A team engaged in a meeting

You have your project brief in hand, you’ve met with your client, maybe you’ve even held a productive discovery session with them. You understand what needs to be done and are eager to start ideating toward a solution.

But what about the problem statement?

This may be the last thing your team wants to do. Some may even think writing out a problem statement is old fashioned. And who even uses them anymore?

We’re here to change your mind. 

A well-written problem statement is how today’s most successful teams bring clarity and focus to the problems they face. Learning how to write a good one is a not-so-secret tool for coming up with more effective solutions.

What is a problem statement?

A problem statement is a clear, concise explanation of the problem or challenge you intend to solve. It is meant to give you, your team, and any other stakeholders clarity and focus around the problem. This not only helps you get buy-in from your client, but also makes it easier to prioritize what’s most important — and not get distracted by anything else.

You should write out your problem statement after you’ve done some initial research but before you have begun your work. This will give you the necessary context to create as accurate a statement as possible, while also helping guide your team as you move forward. 

You can either create it as a solo activity or as part of a larger workshop, depending on your circumstances. If you’ve already planned a discovery session, writing a problem statement could be a great way to cap off the meeting and ensure everyone is aligned.

What makes a good problem statement

First and foremost, a good problem statement is anything that helps spur you and your team into action by describing and clarifying the issues at hand.

While this can take many forms — and is often dependent on factors such as the scope and complexity of the problem — the most effective statements typically focus on the root cause of the issue by objectively describing it in as comprehensive a way as possible. The five Ws can be a good strategy for doing this: 

  • Who is having the problem? This could refer to individuals, groups, or entire organizations. It is anyone (or anything) that is affected by the problem.
  • What is the problem? This can be thought of as the gap that has formed between the current state and the desired state. Try to sketch out the boundaries of this gap and describe the unmet need that exists.
  • Where does this problem occur? This could be a geographic location (such as a city or company), a physical object (such as a product), an entity (such as a marketing department), or even a process (such as commuting).
  • When does this problem occur? Is there a certain timeframe in which the issue occurs? Is there a deadline by which it needs to be solved? 
  • Why is the problem worth solving? This should focus on the importance of fixing the problem. What kind of impact will it make? How will solving it affect customers, employees, and other stakeholders ? In short, what makes a solution worthwhile?

Effective problem statement examples

Good problem statements don’t need to be complicated. In fact, as these examples show, they should be simple and direct. In one sentence, they describe exactly what the problem is, leaving little to no ambiguity about what should happen next.

Note: While some may recommend including a proposed solution in the problem statement, we think it’s best to leave this out. After all, the goal is to get people thinking creatively about their own solutions.

Problem statement example #1

“The lack of access to clean water in rural areas of developing countries is leading to increased incidence of water-borne diseases and impeding socio-economic development.”

This statement clearly identifies a specific problem — the lack of access to clean water — and highlights the negative consequences that result from it: an increase in diseases and a lack of socio-economic development. By focusing on the problem in this way, it provides a clear and concise foundation for any potential solutions. Additionally, the statement highlights the urgency of the issue and the need for action, making it more likely to inspire action and generate interest from stakeholders.

Problem statement example #2

“An employee turnover of 35% in company X is negatively impacting productivity, morale, and profitability.”

Notice how this statement identifies who the problem affects (company X and its employees), what is happening (a high turnover rate), and why it is important (productivity, morale, and profitability). This creates a clear place to focus action and start coming up with possible solutions. What’s more, by calling out the current state of turnovers (35%), it gives a specific metric to improve.

How to write effective problem statements

Writing a great problem statement should be thought of as less of an action and more of a process. You don’t just sit down and write one out (at least, most of us don’t). Instead, you should carefully seek to understand and frame every aspect of the problem at hand in order to capture it as clearly as possible.

Here is a step-by-step methodology you can follow in order to do this.

1. Identify and understand the problem

This can be thought of as the data-gathering stage. It’s when you get out into the field, interview stakeholders, and spend time in the environment where the problem exists so that you can experience it first-hand. Basically, you should be doing whatever it takes to gain as thorough an understanding of the problem as you can so that you can not only identify it , but describe its root causes.

2. Draft the problem statement

Now it’s time to start writing out a statement that is as clear and comprehensive as possible. As you do this, be aware of how you are framing the problem. You want to be careful to avoid any bias and to remain completely objective. Potential issues to look out for include:

  • Describing a symptom instead of the root cause. If this happens, go back to your notes to try to uncover why something is happening, not what.
  • Presenting a preferred solution. It can often be tempting to write a problem statement in such a way that only one solution is possible. Fix this by looking for ways you can broaden the focus.
  • A lack of clarity. This can be caused by trying to capture too many problems at once, or not clearly framing the gap between how the current and desired states. 

3. Refine and iterate

Once you think you’ve captured the problem, don’t stop there. Continue to refine it by analyzing it from multiple perspectives. Would someone not familiar with the stakeholders and their background be able to understand the problem? Would someone from a different field altogether be able to identify the root cause? 

If you haven’t already, this can be a good opportunity to open up the problem statement to other members of your team to get their point of view. Ask them if it matches their understanding of the problem. Try to identify any potential ambiguities. When you’ve reached a point at which the problem lacks an obvious solution and is generating healthy discussion, you’re probably there. 

Templates to help you create actionable problem statements

When drafting your problem statement, there’s no reason to start from a completely blank slate. The following templates can help kickstart the process of drilling down into the root causes, framing the issue, and defining exactly what the problem is:

  • 5 Whys Template
  • Problem Framing Template
  • Problem Statement Template

Define, understand, and solve problems faster

The art of writing problem statements shouldn’t be lost on your team. Learning to create effective statements enables you to get a better understanding of what has caused the problem, who and what the problem impacts, and why it should be solved in the first place. Knowing how to state this in language that is clear, concise, and impactful is one of the best ways to set you and your team up for success.

How have problem statements helped you come up with creative solutions? We’d love to hear how you’ve put them to use — and how you keep using them today.

Learn more about facilitation and how you can succeed at it wherever you are by downloading our Definitive Guide to Facilitating Remote Workshops .

About the authors

David Young

David Young

Tagged Topics

Related blog posts

problem solving statement examples

10 tips for managing competing priorities

problem solving statement examples

How to Identify the Right Problems to Solve

problem solving statement examples

5 Strategies to Get Buy-in for New Ideas

Related blog posts.

problem solving statement examples

Teamwork 2024 Report: This isn't working

problem solving statement examples

The 5 steps of the strategic planning process

problem solving statement examples

Collaborative leadership: What it is and why it works so well for distributed teams

Get the free 2023 collaboration trends report.

Extraordinary teamwork isn't an accident

problem solving statement examples

How to Write an Effective Problem Statement

Published: April 9, 2018 by Rod Morgan

problem solving statement examples

Continuous improvement specialists are challenged to solve problems for their organizations or clients. They have acquired a wide array of tools, methods and techniques for that purpose.

If continuous improvement practitioners are able to establish the winning conditions for change, they can look forward to successful outcomes. However, the devil is in the details, making continuous improvement jobs interesting and challenging.

One of those “little devils” that often gets overlooked is the need to construct an effective problem statement at the start of any improvement project.

What Is a Problem Statement?

Adapted from an article by Alan Bryman in the International Journal of Social Research Methodology : A problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in theory or in practice that points to the need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation.

Why Is It So Hard to Write an Effective Problem Statement?

One of the challenges in writing a great problem statement is the distractions that can come from a variety of sources.

  • Symptoms associated with the problem add to the confusion when trying to describe a problem. For example, arriving at the physician’s office and stating, “Doctor, I am experiencing pain in the back of my thigh down to the lower part of my leg! I need you to ‘fix’ my leg!” It is only after a thoughtful evaluation that the doctor concludes that your problem lies with your sciatic nerve and originates in your lower back.
  • Solutions are often an early consideration when wrestling with a problem. When one is faced with a problem, alleviating that pain as quickly as possible is a natural, almost reflexive, action. It is, however, extremely important to avoid jumping to solutions until a profound understanding of the current state is achieved.
  • The search for causes of your pain is a natural reaction that also needs to be avoided when first describing a problem. Establishing root cause will be a part of the ensuing investigative procedure but should be reserved for the appropriate time in the lifecycle of the problem-solving method.
  • Blame is also a natural reflex when one is afflicted with a problem. A quote attributed to John Burroughs, American naturalist and nature essayist, may be all that needs to be said on this subject: “You can get discouraged many times, but you are not a failure until you begin to blame somebody else and stop trying.”

In short, a great problem statement must be free of causes, solutions and blame, and careful consideration must be given to ensure symptoms do not become a distraction.

What Is in a Problem Statement?

A problem statement should describe an undesirable gap between the current-state level of performance and the desired future-state level of performance. A problem statement should include absolute or relative measures of the problem that quantify that gap, but should not include possible causes or solutions!

problem solving statement examples

Key elements of an effective problem statement include:

  • Gap : Identify the gap (pain) that exists today.
  • Timeframe, location and trend : Describe when and where the problem was first observed and what kind of trend it is following.
  • Impact : Quantify the gap (cost, time, quality, environmental, personal, etc.)
  • Importance : To the organization, the individual, etc. to better understand the urgency.

What Method Can I Employ to Author a Great Problem Statement?

The ability to articulate an effective problem statement is not simply a business skill – it is a life skill. How can children, youth and adults begin to solve problems if they haven’t been able to adequately describe them? This holds true for continuous improvement specialists.

The 5W2H (what, when, where, why, who, how, how much) method is deceptively simple. Ask the right questions in the right order and let the answers lead you to a great problem statement.

Example of Developing a Problem Statement

Let’s walk through the 5W2H method for manufacturing and call center examples.

Question 1 : What is the problem that needs to be solved?

  • Manufacturer : Window frames and parts are ending up in the assembly department missing required weep holes or slots.
  • Call center : The assessment call is too complex, time consuming and administratively heavy, resulting in a diminished experience for the client as well as the staff member performing the work.

Question 2 : Why is it a problem? (highlight the pain)

  • Manufacturer : If identified (visual inspection), the affected parts must be sent back for rework, thereby increasing the overall cost of manufacturing, creating higher inventory levels (WIP) and increasing risk since some of the defects may not be detected until later in the process, or worse, they may end up being incorrectly shipped to the job sites.
  • Call center : This results in higher variability and length of call handling time, clients having to repeat their “story” as the move through the assessment and downstream case worker (meeting) process, clients providing more information than may be required, increased workload for the assessment worker and increased wait times in the (telephone) queue. The overall impact is reduced service levels as well as diminished client and assessment worker experience.

Question 3 : Where is the problem observed? (location, products)

  • Manufacturer : This problem is observed in the assembly department, downstream departments as well as ultimately in the field with customer complaints and costly field repairs and replacements.
  • Call center : This problem is observed in all assessment calls but will vary in magnitude depending on the client (needs and circumstance), assessment worker (experience) and other factors that contribute to variation in the handling of assessment calls.

Question 4 : Who is impacted? (customers, businesses, departments)

  • Manufacturer : This problem affects the assembly department that is tasked with trying to inspect for the error and react accordingly, rework occurring in the department/work cell responsible for weep holes and slots, the company as a whole in terms of cost, brand and reputation, and, most importantly, the customer who is affected by this problem if it makes it to the field.
  • Call center : This affects the client associated with the call, clients waiting in the queue, client’s families, and the organization and employers in the community being served.

Question 5 : When was the problem first observed?

  • Manufacturer : This has been an ongoing issue going back as far as memory serves in the long-term employees, but with increased volume and more customization and higher complexity in design, the impact and severity of this problem has increased rapidly over the last two years.
  • Call center : This is a latent problem that has always existed but has become more evident with recent changes, including changes in funding, legislation, demand for services, client demographics and recent integration efforts in the organization as part of their ongoing commitment to continuous improvement of service pathways and client experience.

Question 6 : How is the problem observed? (symptoms)

  • Manufacturer : Customer (in-field installation and service) complaints, increased warranty costs, manufacturing non-conformance reports (NCR), complaints from assembly department team and increased costs in fabrication.
  • Call center : This problem is observed in the variation in call-handling times, wait times in the telephone queue, call abandon rates, increased stress in front-line staff (workload and client anxiety/dissatisfaction) and ambiguity in call handling protocols.

Question 7 : How often is the problem observed? (error rate, magnitude, trend)

  • Manufacturer : There is an observed 62,000 parts per million (PPM) for this specific defect, taking into consideration rework completed in-house and observed defects in the field. The PPM is derived from the number of weeping holes and slots required per unit assembly versus the actual number of deficiencies overall observed for the same number of units.
  • Call center : This is a daily operational occurrence but increases in call complexity related to changes in the knowledge base – multiple programs and changes in the environment (client demographics and needs/circumstances, legislation, etc.) – have resulted in an increase in severity and stress on the system.

Think of a problem you have encountered in your personal or professional life, or a problem you are currently tasked to solve. Employ the preceding method of asking seven simple questions and see where it takes you.

Teach this simple and effective method to your friends, colleagues and family. Writing problem statements truly is a life skill and, when employed correctly, will place anyone in good stead to start solving the problem.

About the Author

' src=

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • QuestionPro

survey software icon

  • Solutions Industries Gaming Automotive Sports and events Education Government Travel & Hospitality Financial Services Healthcare Cannabis Technology Use Case NPS+ Communities Audience Contactless surveys Mobile LivePolls Member Experience GDPR Positive People Science 360 Feedback Surveys
  • Resources Blog eBooks Survey Templates Case Studies Training Help center

problem solving statement examples

Home Market Research

Problem Statement: What It Is, How to Write + Examples

Learn a problem statement, how to craft one effectively, and find practical examples. Master the art of problem statement writing.

A well-defined problem statement is the foundation of any successful project, research, or initiative. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an entrepreneur, understanding a problem statement and how to craft one effectively is crucial. 

In this blog post, we will dive deep into problem statements, explaining what they are, how to write them, and providing real-life examples to guide you.

What Is a Problem Statement?

A problem statement is a concise and clear description of an issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. It serves as a roadmap for problem-solving and decision-making, helping individuals and teams define the scope of their work and focus on the most critical aspects of a problem. 

The problem statement underscores the need for exploring viable solutions and potential solutions to tackle the rising energy consumption in our community.

A well-crafted problem statement should be:

  • Specific: Clearly define the problem, avoiding vague or general descriptions.
  • Measurable: Include criteria to assess the success or completion of the solution.
  • Achievable: Ensure that the problem can be solved or improved within reasonable constraints.
  • Relevant: Align the problem statement with your goals and objectives.
  • Time-bound: Set a timeframe for solving the problem or achieving progress.

When to Use a Problem Statement

A problem statement is a concise and clear description of an issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. It is often used in various contexts, including business, research , project management, and problem-solving. 

Here are some key elements of situations in which you should use to write a problem statement in a brief and focused manner:

  • Project Proposals: When proposing a project, whether it’s for a business world initiative or a research endeavor, concise writing problem statements help stakeholders understand why the project is necessary and what it aims to solve.
  • Business Plans: A brief error statement can provide context for the business goals and objectives in a business plan or strategy document. It helps identify the specific market or industry challenges the business addresses.
  • Research Proposals: In academic or scientific research proposals, a succinct error statement outlines the research question or problem the study intends to investigate. It sets the stage for the research objectives and methodology.
  • Product Development: When creating a new product or service, a short problem statement helps the design process and development teams focus on solving a specific user or market problem.
  • Policy Development: In the public sector, government agencies and policymakers often use error statements to define and communicate the issues that need attention, leading to the formulation of policies or regulations.
  • Conflict Resolution: In conflict resolution or mediation processes, a concise error statement can help parties involved in a dispute to understand the core issues and work towards a resolution.
  • Quality Improvement: In quality management or process improvement initiatives, a brief error statement helps identify the areas in a process where improvements are needed.
  • Marketing and Advertising: When creating marketing campaigns or advertising materials, a problem statement can be used to highlight a consumer’s pain point and show how a product or service can solve it.
  • Innovation Challenges: In innovation competitions or hackathons, participants often start by defining a clear and concise error statement before brainstorming a proposed solution.
  • Personal Goals: Even in personal development or goal-setting, it can be helpful to formulate a concise problem statement to clarify what you want to achieve and why.

How to Write an Effective Problem Statement

Writing an effective problem statement is crucial for any project, research, or initiative because it sets the stage for addressing the issue at hand. A well-crafted problem statement clarifies the problem, provides context, and serves as a guide for developing and implementing solutions. 

Here are the steps to write an effective problem statement:

01. Understand the Problem:

Begin by thoroughly understanding the problem you intend to address. Conduct research, gather data, and talk to relevant stakeholders to gain insights into the issue. Identify the scope and boundaries of the problem.

02. Define the Problem Clearly:

Your problem statement should be clear and concise. Avoid vague or ambiguous language. State the problem in simple terms so anyone reading it can understand the issue.

03. Provide Context:

Give background information to help readers understand the problem’s significance. Explain why it is important, who it affects, and what its implications are. Provide relevant statistics, trends, or examples to illustrate the problem’s financial costs, scope and impact.

04. Identify the Root Cause:

Try to identify the underlying causes or factors contributing to the problem. This will help address the issue at its core rather than just its symptoms.

05. Be Specific:

Avoid broad or generic problem statements. Instead, narrow down the problem to a specific issue that can be tackled effectively. Specificity will make it easier to develop targeted solutions.

06. Use Measurable Criteria:

Include measurable criteria for success. This allows you to evaluate whether the problem has been resolved or improvements have been made. Quantifiable metrics help in tracking progress.

07. Make It Feasible:

Ensure that the problem statement reflects a realistic and achievable challenge. It should be addressed within your resources and constraints.

08. Avoid Solution Language:

This should focus on describing the problem, not proposing solutions. Avoid phrases like “we need to do X” or “we should implement Y.” Save the solution-oriented discussions for later in the design thinking process.

09. Consider the Audience:

Tailor your own problem statement to the audience it is intended for. Use language and terminology that your audience can understand and relate to. Adapt the level of technical detail accordingly.

10. Seek Feedback:

Share your problem statement with colleagues, experts, or stakeholders to gather feedback and refine it. Their input can help ensure clarity and completeness.

11. Revise and Refine:

Continue to revise and refine the error statement as you gather more information and insights. It may evolve as your understanding of the problem deepens.

12. Test for Objectivity:

Ensure that your problem statement is free from bias and reflects a balanced perspective. Avoid making assumptions or assigning blame without evidence.

Examples of Problem Statements

The problem statement serves as the foundation for your research, outlining the key challenges and issues we aim to address in just a few sentences and providing a clear direction for our study. To further illustrate how to create effective problem statements, let’s explore some real-life problem statement examples:

Example 1: Education

“The high school dropout rate in our community has risen by 20% over the past two years, negatively impacting our future workforce. We need to implement targeted intervention programs to reduce dropout rates and ensure a more educated workforce.”

Example 2: Healthcare

“Patients in our clinic often face long wait times for appointments, resulting in dissatisfaction and delays in medical care. We must streamline our appointment scheduling process to reduce wait times and improve patient’s customer satisfaction ratings.”

Example 3: Business

“Our e-commerce website experiences a high cart abandonment rate, leading to lost sales opportunities. We must identify the reasons for cart abandonment and implement strategies to increase conversion rates.”

A well-crafted problem statement is fundamental for effective problem-solving in any field or endeavor. Following the steps outlined in this blog post and studying the examples provided can enhance your ability to define, address, and ultimately solve complex problems. 

Whether you’re a student tackling a research project or a professional seeking to improve your organization’s processes, mastering the art of problem statement writing is a valuable skill that can lead to greater success.

QuestionPro streamlines problem-solving with versatile surveys, data analysis, segmentation, and real-time reporting. It offers a comprehensive toolkit for gathering valuable insights, facilitating informed decision-making, and addressing problem statements effectively.

LEARN MORE         FREE TRIAL

MORE LIKE THIS

Here is how you can empower your research teams with visual layout for enhanced survey responses and deeper insights.

Enable Researchers to Collect Better Survey Responses with Visual Layout

Feb 7, 2024

Data as a Product

Data as a Product: What It Is, Revolution & Strategies

Content mapping

Content Mapping: A Strategic Guide for Effective Planning

Discover five innovative strategies employed by brands to maximize the impact of their surveys using visual layout.

Top 5 Uses of Visual Layout to Increase the Effectiveness of Surveys

Feb 6, 2024

Other categories

  • Academic Research
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Assessments
  • Brand Awareness
  • Case Studies
  • Communities
  • Consumer Insights
  • Customer effort score
  • Customer Engagement
  • Customer Experience
  • Customer Loyalty
  • Customer Research
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Employee Benefits
  • Employee Engagement
  • Employee Retention
  • Friday Five
  • General Data Protection Regulation
  • Insights Hub
  • Life@QuestionPro
  • Market Research
  • Mobile diaries
  • Mobile Surveys
  • New Features
  • Online Communities
  • Question Types
  • Questionnaire
  • QuestionPro Products
  • Release Notes
  • Research Tools and Apps
  • Revenue at Risk
  • Survey Templates
  • Training Tips
  • Uncategorized
  • Video Learning Series
  • What’s Coming Up
  • Workforce Intelligence

problem solving statement examples

Decoding Problem Statements for Managers: Examples and Free Template

What is a problem statement, when can you use a problem statement, components of a problem statement, 5 types of problem statements for managers, how to write a problem statement, problem statement examples for managers, problem statements template for managers, leadership problem statements examples, problem statement for managers faqs.

Other Related Blogs

  • Project management:  Managing a project begins with clearly identifying your goals and challenges. A problem statement is an excellent tool for project managers as it encapsulates all the aspects and provides a starting point for the team. 
  • Conflict resolution:  Resolving conflicts when your entire team is already enmeshed sounds like a terrible headache. Problem statements can offer much-needed clarity in such scenarios.
  • Strategic planning:  Strategic planning begins with a clear understanding of your goals and the hurdles on the way – making evident the need for an effective problem statement to help managers. 
  • People management:  People management challenges such as high turnover or hiring difficulties can be resolved systemically with the help of problem statements. HR professionals can use them to address issues that are hard to characterize in daily parlance.
  • You are wondering where to get started 
  • You are unsure of the root cause of an issue 
  • Your team needs clarity (cross-functional projects, a new competitor, market changes, etc.) 

illustration depicting the five components of a problem statement by Risely

Component #1: Problem summary

Component #2: problem context, component #3: stakeholders, component #4: goals, component #5: metrics.

  • Effective 5-Step Paced Decision Making Model For Managers
  • 15 Examples of Accountability in the Workplace to Improve Ownership in Teams
  • Managing Unpredictability At Work: 5 Effective Tips
  • Understanding Referent Power In Leadership With 3 Real-Life Examples
  • The Ultimate Resource For Software Engineer Behavioral Interview Questions
  • Coaching for Motivation in the Workplace 5 Effective Tips
  • 6 Ways Managers Can Build Emotional Connections In The Workplace
  • How to Choose the Right Performance Review Rating Scale? 4 Critical Factors
  • Decision Making Grids: 7 steps to create a grid and reach your potential
  • Understand The 5 Emotional Intelligence Level And How To Measure It

#1: The Status Quo Problem Statement

For example: Employees at our company are using outdated software to perform their daily tasks. This is causing inefficiencies in the workflow and leading to longer processing times, which is impacting our productivity and customer satisfaction

#2: The Destination Problem Statement

For example: Our organization aims to become a leader in sustainable business practices. However, we currently lack a comprehensive sustainability strategy and are struggling to achieve our sustainability goals.

#3: The Stakeholder Problem Statement

For example: Our customers are experiencing long wait times and delays when trying to reach our customer service department. This is causing frustration and dissatisfaction, leading to a decline in customer retention and loyalty.

#4: The Solution-Focused Problem Statement

For example: Our sales team is struggling to close deals due to a lack of product knowledge and inadequate sales training. By providing additional training and resources to our sales team, we can increase their confidence and ability to close more deals.

#5: The Need-Gap Problem Statement

For example: Our target market is seeking a product that is affordable, eco-friendly, and effective. However, there are currently no products on the market that meet these criteria, creating a gap in the market that our company could potentially fill.

problem solving process in three steps from data gathering, context setting, and asking why

Step 1: Gather the facts

Step 2: frame the problem properly, step 3: keep asking why (and check in on the progress), problem statement example for l&d manager.

  • Objectives: The L&D manager, Amy, aims to identify the root causes of decreased productivity and higher turnover rates and develop a plan to address these issues.
  • Actions: Amy will conduct surveys and interviews with employees, review training and development programs, analyze performance data, and collaborate with HR to design targeted training interventions. She sums up her findings in a problem statement shared below.

“Our organization is experiencing declining productivity and increasing employee turnover. We aim to identify the causes, design effective learning and development interventions, and reduce turnover by 20% within the next fiscal year.”

Problem Statement Example for Healthcare Manager

  • Objectives: The manager, Jack, aims to reduce patient wait times, alleviate overcrowding, and improve staff morale and patient satisfaction.
  • Actions: Jack will conduct process mapping, gather feedback from staff and patients, analyze historical data, and collaborate with the nursing and medical teams to implement changes in workflow and resource allocation. He crafts the following problem statement to get started.

“Our emergency department faces challenges related to patient wait times, overcrowding, and staff burnout. We aim to reduce patient wait times by 30%, decrease overcrowding, and improve patient and staff satisfaction scores within the next six months.”

Problem Statement Example for Sales Manager

  • Objectives: The sales manager , Rose, aims to identify the reasons behind the sales team’s underperformance and develop strategies to boost sales and revenue.
  • Actions: Rose will analyze sales data, conduct sales performance reviews , and engage in one-on-one discussions with the sales team to understand their challenges. Additionally, they will collaborate with the marketing department to align strategies. To get started, Rose creates this problem statement.

“Our regional sales team is consistently falling short of sales targets, resulting in decreased revenue and market share. We aim to identify and address the underlying causes and implement strategies to increase sales by 15% within the next quarter.”

Problem Statement Example for IT Project Manager

  • Objectives: The IT project manager , Andrew, aims to identify the root causes of missed deadlines and poor software quality and implement strategies to ensure project timelines are met and software quality is improved.
  • Actions: Andrew will conduct a project review, analyze historical project data, perform code reviews, evaluate testing processes, and collaborate with the development and QA teams to implement better project management practices. Finally, Andrew sums up the problem statement as follows.

“Our software development projects are consistently missing deadlines and delivering subpar quality software. Our aim is to identify the causes, optimize project management processes, improve software quality, and ensure projects are completed on time, meeting client and user expectations.”

  • Your/ your team’s identity 
  • Your goals 
  • The hurdles on the way 
  • Why those issues are arising 
  • How are those issues impacting you 

problem statement template for managers by Risely

Deeksha Sharma

Deeksha, with a solid educational background in human resources, bridges the gap between your goals and you with valuable insights and strategies within leadership development. Her unique perspectives, powered by voracious reading, lead to thoughtful pieces that tie conventional know-how and innovative approaches together to enable success for management professionals.

Sharpen your problem-solving skills to unleash your true potential.

Become the manager you have always wanted to be – test your problem-solving skills and defeat hidden issues.

What is a problem statement in management?

What are the 3 parts to the problem statement, what is an example of a problem statement in management.

conflict mediation

Top 15 Tips for Effective Conflict Mediation at Work

Top 10 games for negotiation skills to make you a better leader, manager effectiveness: a complete guide for managers in 2023, 5 proven ways managers can build collaboration in a team.

problem solving statement examples

Stratechi.com

  • What is Strategy?
  • Business Models
  • Developing a Strategy
  • Strategic Planning
  • Competitive Advantage
  • Growth Strategy
  • Market Strategy
  • Customer Strategy
  • Geographic Strategy
  • Product Strategy
  • Service Strategy
  • Pricing Strategy
  • Distribution Strategy
  • Sales Strategy
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Digital Marketing Strategy
  • Organizational Strategy
  • HR Strategy – Organizational Design
  • HR Strategy – Employee Journey & Culture
  • Process Strategy
  • Procurement Strategy
  • Cost and Capital Strategy
  • Business Value
  • Market Analysis
  • Problem Solving Skills
  • Strategic Options
  • Business Analytics
  • Strategic Decision Making
  • Process Improvement
  • Project Planning
  • Team Leadership
  • Personal Development
  • Leadership Maturity Model
  • Leadership Team Strategy
  • The Leadership Team
  • Leadership Mindset
  • Communication & Collaboration
  • Problem Solving
  • Decision Making
  • People Leadership
  • Strategic Execution
  • OnDemand Coaching

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Learn everything you need to know to develop a Problem Statement by an Ex-McKinsey consultant . Includes best practices , examples, and a free problem statement template at the bottom.

“A problem well stated is a problem half solved.”

– Charles Kettering, Early 1900s American Inventor

I remember my first day on my first project at McKinsey, the partner got the team in a room for us to spend a few hours “defining the problem statement.” At first, I thought to myself, “man, what a dumb idea…this client is paying us millions of dollars, and we don’t even know what we are trying to solve?” But, as we started to debate the context of the client, the issues they faced, and the reasons why they brought us on, I started to appreciate defining the problem statement and the ability for the right problem statement to frame and focus problem solving .

What is a problem statement?

A problem statement is a clear description of the problem you are trying to solve and is typically most effectively stated as a question. Problem statements are subtly critical in effective problem solving. They have an uncanny ability in focusing the efforts of brainstorming , teamwork, and projects .

To understand this better, let’s go through some examples of how you can position a brainstorming session on various topics.

problem statements

Beyond brainstorming, problem statements should be used at the beginning of any project to frame and focus on the problem. A good problem statement defines the “who” the problem involves, and defines the scope of the problem. Since problem statements guide much of the problem solving of a project, it is important not to be too narrow or broad with the problem statement.

How do you create an effective problem statement?

As stated before, every McKinsey project starts with the development of a problem statement. Once we landed on a strong problem statement, then we had to align the client with the problem statement. The easiest way for a project and team to get off track is if the team and the client are trying to solve different problems. A good problem statement aligns the expectations of the client with the team’s activities and output.

Here are the best practices when creating an effective problem statement:

Use the 5 Ws and one H

One of the most useful tools when developing a problem statement is the 5 Ws and one H, which is simply utilizing who, what, why, where, when, and how questions to frame the problem statement. Simply thinking through these questions as they relate to the problem can help you create a strong problem statement.

Ask the most crucial question, “What are we trying to solve?”

We’ve all been in those brainstorming sessions, meetings or on those projects, where you’re just scratching your head, as the conversation or directions are more like an Olympic ping-pong match going from one topic to the next. The most effective question that I’ve used in over a thousand meetings and conversations is simply “what are we trying to solve?” It cuts through the clutter, confusion, and misalignment, and quickly centers the focus and energy of everyone.

Frame the problem statement as a goal

Some of the best problem statements are simply goals formatted as questions. If you need to increase sales by 10%, a good problem statement is, “Within the next 12 months, what are the most effective options for the team to increase sales by 10%?”

Force the prioritization 

Often, the most effective problem statements force the prioritization of issues and opportunities. Using phrases such as “the most important for the customer” or “the best way” will force prioritization.

DOWNLOAD THE PROBLEM STATEMENT POWERPOINT WORKSHEET

To get you going on defining a strong problem statement, download the free and editable Problem Statement PowerPoint Worksheet.

problem statement worksheet template

Correctly defining a problem statement at the beginning of a project or initiative will dramatically improve the success of the project or initiative. Problem statements help guide problem solving, analysis , hypotheses , and solutions.

Developing a problem statement is an iterative brainstorming process. Get the major stakeholders in a room for a few hours and start the process by having everyone write down what they think the problem is on index cards. Collect the index cards and post them on a whiteboard. You can either discuss each one or have the group pick the top 3 and then discuss them. You can use the Problem Statement Worksheet to further define the problem by answering the 5 Ws and 1 H. The key is to find the right problem statement all stakeholders feel strongly about, in that, if the problem statement were solved, the problem would be solved.

NEXT SECTION: HYPOTHESES

DOWNLOAD STRATEGY PRESENTATION TEMPLATES

168-PAGE COMPENDIUM OF STRATEGY FRAMEWORKS & TEMPLATES 186-PAGE HR & ORG STRATEGY PRESENTATION 100-PAGE SALES PLAN PRESENTATION 121-PAGE STRATEGIC PLAN & COMPANY OVERVIEW PRESENTATION 114-PAGE MARKET & COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS PRESENTATION 18-PAGE BUSINESS MODEL TEMPLATE

THE LEADERSHIP MATURITY MODEL

Joe newsum & client coaching.

STRATEGY COACHING MANAGEMENT COACHING BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY WORKSHOPS LEADERSHIP TRANSFORMATION

CUSTOM PROGRAMS PRESENTATION SKILLS CAREER COACHING STRATEGY TRAINING CONSULTANT COACHING

EXPLORE OTHER TYPES OF STRATEGY

BIG PICTURE WHAT IS STRATEGY? BUSINESS MODEL COMP. ADVANTAGE GROWTH

TARGETS MARKET CUSTOMER GEOGRAPHIC

VALUE PROPOSITION PRODUCT SERVICE PRICING

GO TO MARKET DISTRIBUTION SALES MARKETING

ORGANIZATIONAL ORG DESIGN HR & CULTURE PROCESS PARTNER

EXPLORE THE TOP 100 STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

TYPES OF VALUE MARKET ANALYSIS PROBLEM SOLVING

OPTION CREATION ANALYTICS DECISION MAKING PROCESS TOOLS

PLANNING & PROJECTS PEOPLE LEADERSHIP PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Elsevier QRcode Wechat

  • Research Process

What is a Problem Statement? [with examples]

  • 5 minute read

Table of Contents

The statement of the problem is one of the first things that a colleague or potential client will read. With the vastness of the information available at one’s fingertips in the online9 world, your work may have just a few seconds to draw in a reader to take a deeper look at your proposal before moving on to the next option. It explains quickly to the reader, the problem at hand, the need for research, and how you intend to do it.

A strong, clear description of the problem that drew you to your research has to be straightforward, easy to read and, most important, relevant. Why do you care about this problem? How can solving this problem impact the world? The problem statement is your opportunity to explain why you care and what you propose to do in the way of researching the problem.

A problem statement is an explanation in research that describes the issue that is in need of study . What problem is the research attempting to address? Having a Problem Statement allows the reader to quickly understand the purpose and intent of the research. The importance of writing your research proposal cannot be stressed enough. Check for more information on Writing a Scientific Research Project Proposal .

It is expected to be brief and concise , and should not include the findings of the research or detailed data . The average length of a research statement is generally about one page . It is going to define the problem, which can be thought of as a gap in the information base. There may be several solutions to this gap or lack of information, but that is not the concern of the problem statement. Its purpose is to summarize the current information and where a lack of knowledge may be presenting a problem that needs to be investigated .

The purpose of the problem statement is to identify the issue that is a concern and focus it in a way that allows it to be studied in a systematic way . It defines the problem and proposes a way to research a solution, or demonstrates why further information is needed in order for a solution to become possible.

What is Included in a Problem Statement?

Besides identifying the gap of understanding or the weakness of necessary data, it is important to explain the significance of this lack.

-How will your research contribute to the existing knowledge base in your field of study?

-How is it significant?

-Why does it matter?

Not all problems have only one solution so demonstrating the need for additional research can also be included in your problem statement. Once you identify the problem and the need for a solution, or for further study, then you can show how you intend to collect the needed data and present it.

How to Write a Statement of Problem in Research Proposal

It is helpful to begin with your goal. What do you see as the achievable goal if the problem you outline is solved? How will the proposed research theoretically change anything? What are the potential outcomes?

Then you can discuss how the problem prevents the ability to reach your realistic and achievable solution. It is what stands in the way of changing an issue for the better. Talk about the present state of affairs and how the problem impacts a person’s life, for example.

It’s helpful at this point to generally layout the present knowledge and understanding of the subject at hand, before then describing the gaps of knowledge that are currently in need of study. Your problem statement is a proposed solution to address one of these gaps.

A good problem statement will also layout the repercussions of leaving the problem as it currently stands. What is the significance of not addressing this problem? What are the possible future outcomes?

Example of Problem Statement in Research Proposal

If, for example , you intended to research the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the immune system , you would begin with a review of the current knowledge of vitamin D’s known function in relation to the immune system and how a deficiency of it impacts a person’s defenses.

You would describe the ideal environment in the body when there is a sufficient level of vitamin D. Then, begin to identify the problems associated with vitamin D deficiency and the difficulty of raising the level through supplementation, along with the consequences of that deficiency. Here you are beginning to identify the problem of a common deficiency and the current difficulty of increasing the level of vitamin D in the blood.

At this stage, you may begin to identify the problem and narrow it down in a way that is practical to a research project. Perhaps you are proposing a novel way of introducing Vitamin D in a way that allows for better absorption by the gut, or in a combination with another product that increases its level in the blood.

Describe the way your research in this area will contribute to the knowledge base on how to increase levels of vitamin D in a specific group of subjects, perhaps menopausal women with breast cancer. The research proposal is then described in practical terms.

How to write a problem statement in research?

Problem statements differ depending on the type and topic of research and vary between a few sentences to a few paragraphs.

However, the problem statement should not drag on needlessly. Despite the absence of a fixed format, a good research problem statement usually consists of three main parts:

Context: This section explains the background for your research. It identifies the problem and describes an ideal scenario that could exist in the absence of the problem. It also includes any past attempts and shortcomings at solving the problem.

Significance: This section defines how the problem prevents the ideal scenario from being achieved, including its negative impacts on the society or field of research. It should include who will be the most affected by a solution to the problem, the relevance of the study that you are proposing, and how it can contribute to the existing body of research.

Solution: This section describes the aim and objectives of your research, and your solution to overcome the problem. Finally, it need not focus on the perfect solution, but rather on addressing a realistic goal to move closer to the ideal scenario.

Here is a cheat sheet to help you with formulating a good problem statement.

1. Begin with a clear indication that the problem statement is going to be discussed next. You can start with a generic sentence like, “The problem that this study addresses…” This will inform your readers of what to expect next.

2. Next, mention the consequences of not solving the problem . You can touch upon who is or will be affected if the problem continues, and how.

3. Conclude with indicating the type of research /information that is needed to solve the problem. Be sure to reference authors who may have suggested the necessity of such research.

This will then directly lead to your proposed research objective and workplan and how that is expected to solve the problem i.e., close the research gap.

Language Editing Plus

Elsevier Language Editing Plus service will provide you with a thorough language review of your thesis, article or presentation. It offers review of logic and flow, reference checks, document formatting, a customized cover letter and more.

What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?

  • Manuscript Preparation

What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?

How to Use Tables and Figures effectively in Research Papers

How to Use Tables and Figures effectively in Research Papers

You may also like.

what is a descriptive research design

Descriptive Research Design and Its Myriad Uses

Doctor doing a Biomedical Research Paper

Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Biomedical Research Paper

problem solving statement examples

Making Technical Writing in Environmental Engineering Accessible

Risks of AI-assisted Academic Writing

To Err is Not Human: The Dangers of AI-assisted Academic Writing

Importance-of-Data-Collection

When Data Speak, Listen: Importance of Data Collection and Analysis Methods

choosing the Right Research Methodology

Choosing the Right Research Methodology: A Guide for Researchers

Why is data validation important in research

Why is data validation important in research?

Writing a good review article

Writing a good review article

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Career Sidekick

Interview Questions

Comprehensive Interview Guide: 60+ Professions Explored in Detail

26 Good Examples of Problem Solving (Interview Answers)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 15, 2023

Employers like to hire people who can solve problems and work well under pressure. A job rarely goes 100% according to plan, so hiring managers will be more likely to hire you if you seem like you can handle unexpected challenges while staying calm and logical in your approach.

But how do they measure this?

They’re going to ask you interview questions about these problem solving skills, and they might also look for examples of problem solving on your resume and cover letter. So coming up, I’m going to share a list of examples of problem solving, whether you’re an experienced job seeker or recent graduate.

Then I’ll share sample interview answers to, “Give an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem?”

Problem-Solving Defined

It is the ability to identify the problem, prioritize based on gravity and urgency, analyze the root cause, gather relevant information, develop and evaluate viable solutions, decide on the most effective and logical solution, and plan and execute implementation. 

Problem-solving also involves critical thinking, communication, listening, creativity, research, data gathering, risk assessment, continuous learning, decision-making, and other soft and technical skills.

Solving problems not only prevent losses or damages but also boosts self-confidence and reputation when you successfully execute it. The spotlight shines on you when people see you handle issues with ease and savvy despite the challenges. Your ability and potential to be a future leader that can take on more significant roles and tackle bigger setbacks shine through. Problem-solving is a skill you can master by learning from others and acquiring wisdom from their and your own experiences. 

It takes a village to come up with solutions, but a good problem solver can steer the team towards the best choice and implement it to achieve the desired result.

Watch: 26 Good Examples of Problem Solving

Examples of problem solving scenarios in the workplace.

  • Correcting a mistake at work, whether it was made by you or someone else
  • Overcoming a delay at work through problem solving and communication
  • Resolving an issue with a difficult or upset customer
  • Overcoming issues related to a limited budget, and still delivering good work through the use of creative problem solving
  • Overcoming a scheduling/staffing shortage in the department to still deliver excellent work
  • Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
  • Handling and resolving a conflict with a coworker
  • Solving any problems related to money, customer billing, accounting and bookkeeping, etc.
  • Taking initiative when another team member overlooked or missed something important
  • Taking initiative to meet with your superior to discuss a problem before it became potentially worse
  • Solving a safety issue at work or reporting the issue to those who could solve it
  • Using problem solving abilities to reduce/eliminate a company expense
  • Finding a way to make the company more profitable through new service or product offerings, new pricing ideas, promotion and sale ideas, etc.
  • Changing how a process, team, or task is organized to make it more efficient
  • Using creative thinking to come up with a solution that the company hasn’t used before
  • Performing research to collect data and information to find a new solution to a problem
  • Boosting a company or team’s performance by improving some aspect of communication among employees
  • Finding a new piece of data that can guide a company’s decisions or strategy better in a certain area

Problem Solving Examples for Recent Grads/Entry Level Job Seekers

  • Coordinating work between team members in a class project
  • Reassigning a missing team member’s work to other group members in a class project
  • Adjusting your workflow on a project to accommodate a tight deadline
  • Speaking to your professor to get help when you were struggling or unsure about a project
  • Asking classmates, peers, or professors for help in an area of struggle
  • Talking to your academic advisor to brainstorm solutions to a problem you were facing
  • Researching solutions to an academic problem online, via Google or other methods
  • Using problem solving and creative thinking to obtain an internship or other work opportunity during school after struggling at first

You can share all of the examples above when you’re asked questions about problem solving in your interview. As you can see, even if you have no professional work experience, it’s possible to think back to problems and unexpected challenges that you faced in your studies and discuss how you solved them.

Interview Answers to “Give an Example of an Occasion When You Used Logic to Solve a Problem”

Now, let’s look at some sample interview answers to, “Give me an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem,” since you’re likely to hear this interview question in all sorts of industries.

Example Answer 1:

At my current job, I recently solved a problem where a client was upset about our software pricing. They had misunderstood the sales representative who explained pricing originally, and when their package renewed for its second month, they called to complain about the invoice. I apologized for the confusion and then spoke to our billing team to see what type of solution we could come up with. We decided that the best course of action was to offer a long-term pricing package that would provide a discount. This not only solved the problem but got the customer to agree to a longer-term contract, which means we’ll keep their business for at least one year now, and they’re happy with the pricing. I feel I got the best possible outcome and the way I chose to solve the problem was effective.

Example Answer 2:

In my last job, I had to do quite a bit of problem solving related to our shift scheduling. We had four people quit within a week and the department was severely understaffed. I coordinated a ramp-up of our hiring efforts, I got approval from the department head to offer bonuses for overtime work, and then I found eight employees who were willing to do overtime this month. I think the key problem solving skills here were taking initiative, communicating clearly, and reacting quickly to solve this problem before it became an even bigger issue.

Example Answer 3:

In my current marketing role, my manager asked me to come up with a solution to our declining social media engagement. I assessed our current strategy and recent results, analyzed what some of our top competitors were doing, and then came up with an exact blueprint we could follow this year to emulate our best competitors but also stand out and develop a unique voice as a brand. I feel this is a good example of using logic to solve a problem because it was based on analysis and observation of competitors, rather than guessing or quickly reacting to the situation without reliable data. I always use logic and data to solve problems when possible. The project turned out to be a success and we increased our social media engagement by an average of 82% by the end of the year.

Answering Questions About Problem Solving with the STAR Method

When you answer interview questions about problem solving scenarios, or if you decide to demonstrate your problem solving skills in a cover letter (which is a good idea any time the job description mention problem solving as a necessary skill), I recommend using the STAR method to tell your story.

STAR stands for:

It’s a simple way of walking the listener or reader through the story in a way that will make sense to them. So before jumping in and talking about the problem that needed solving, make sure to describe the general situation. What job/company were you working at? When was this? Then, you can describe the task at hand and the problem that needed solving. After this, describe the course of action you chose and why. Ideally, show that you evaluated all the information you could given the time you had, and made a decision based on logic and fact.

Finally, describe a positive result you got.

Whether you’re answering interview questions about problem solving or writing a cover letter, you should only choose examples where you got a positive result and successfully solved the issue.

Example answer:

Situation : We had an irate client who was a social media influencer and had impossible delivery time demands we could not meet. She spoke negatively about us in her vlog and asked her followers to boycott our products. (Task : To develop an official statement to explain our company’s side, clarify the issue, and prevent it from getting out of hand). Action : I drafted a statement that balanced empathy, understanding, and utmost customer service with facts, logic, and fairness. It was direct, simple, succinct, and phrased to highlight our brand values while addressing the issue in a logical yet sensitive way.   We also tapped our influencer partners to subtly and indirectly share their positive experiences with our brand so we could counter the negative content being shared online.  Result : We got the results we worked for through proper communication and a positive and strategic campaign. The irate client agreed to have a dialogue with us. She apologized to us, and we reaffirmed our commitment to delivering quality service to all. We assured her that she can reach out to us anytime regarding her purchases and that we’d gladly accommodate her requests whenever possible. She also retracted her negative statements in her vlog and urged her followers to keep supporting our brand.

What Are Good Outcomes of Problem Solving?

Whenever you answer interview questions about problem solving or share examples of problem solving in a cover letter, you want to be sure you’re sharing a positive outcome.

Below are good outcomes of problem solving:

  • Saving the company time or money
  • Making the company money
  • Pleasing/keeping a customer
  • Obtaining new customers
  • Solving a safety issue
  • Solving a staffing/scheduling issue
  • Solving a logistical issue
  • Solving a company hiring issue
  • Solving a technical/software issue
  • Making a process more efficient and faster for the company
  • Creating a new business process to make the company more profitable
  • Improving the company’s brand/image/reputation
  • Getting the company positive reviews from customers/clients

Every employer wants to make more money, save money, and save time. If you can assess your problem solving experience and think about how you’ve helped past employers in those three areas, then that’s a great start. That’s where I recommend you begin looking for stories of times you had to solve problems.

Tips to Improve Your Problem Solving Skills

Throughout your career, you’re going to get hired for better jobs and earn more money if you can show employers that you’re a problem solver. So to improve your problem solving skills, I recommend always analyzing a problem and situation before acting. When discussing problem solving with employers, you never want to sound like you rush or make impulsive decisions. They want to see fact-based or data-based decisions when you solve problems.

Next, to get better at solving problems, analyze the outcomes of past solutions you came up with. You can recognize what works and what doesn’t. Think about how you can get better at researching and analyzing a situation, but also how you can get better at communicating, deciding the right people in the organization to talk to and “pull in” to help you if needed, etc.

Finally, practice staying calm even in stressful situations. Take a few minutes to walk outside if needed. Step away from your phone and computer to clear your head. A work problem is rarely so urgent that you cannot take five minutes to think (with the possible exception of safety problems), and you’ll get better outcomes if you solve problems by acting logically instead of rushing to react in a panic.

You can use all of the ideas above to describe your problem solving skills when asked interview questions about the topic. If you say that you do the things above, employers will be impressed when they assess your problem solving ability.

If you practice the tips above, you’ll be ready to share detailed, impressive stories and problem solving examples that will make hiring managers want to offer you the job. Every employer appreciates a problem solver, whether solving problems is a requirement listed on the job description or not. And you never know which hiring manager or interviewer will ask you about a time you solved a problem, so you should always be ready to discuss this when applying for a job.

Related interview questions & answers:

  • How do you handle stress?
  • How do you handle conflict?
  • Tell me about a time when you failed

Biron Clark

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

Continue Reading

15 Most Common Pharmacist Interview Questions and Answers

15 most common paralegal interview questions and answers, top 30+ funny interview questions and answers, 60 hardest interview questions and answers, 100+ best ice breaker questions to ask candidates, top 20 situational interview questions (& sample answers), 15 most common physical therapist interview questions and answers, 15 most common project manager interview questions and answers, create a professional resume for free.

No-sign up or payment required.

  • Starting a Business
  • Growing a Business
  • Business News
  • Science & Technology
  • Money & Finance
  • Subscribers For Subscribers
  • Store Entrepreneur Store
  • Spotlight Spotlight
  • United States
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
  • South Africa

Copyright © 2024 Entrepreneur Media, LLC All rights reserved. Entrepreneur® and its related marks are registered trademarks of Entrepreneur Media LLC

JUST RELEASED: View the 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking

3 Excellent Problem Statement Examples A problem statement aims to identify a problem and find a solution. Continue reading for how to write one and examples to base yours on.

By Entrepreneur Staff • May 31, 2023

Have you been asked at work or school to create a problem statement and include a proposed solution, but you don't know where to start?

Continue reading for everything you need to know about problem statements, how to write one and examples to base your own on.

What is a problem statement?

An effective problem statement aims to identify the gap between the current state (the problem) and the desired state (the goal) of a process or product.

A problem statement helps the writer solve a problem and meet an unmet need by offering a viable solution.

Also known as a point of view (POV) statement, a good problem statement creates a framework that offers a possible solution to the problem.

It includes a clear statement of the problem that the writer can address and allows them to keep their focus on the main issue.

Related: How to Solve a Problem In 3 Steps | Define It, Redefine It, Repeat | Entrepreneur

Problem statement points of view

Problem statements can take numerous forms, but the goal is always to develop an effective solution.

Writing problem statements can be done using a few different points of view.

A few ways that you can phrase your problem statement include:

End-user perspective

"I am a busy working professional trying to eat healthy, but I'm having trouble as I work long hours and don't always have time to go grocery shopping and purchase healthy food. This makes me feel upset and bad about myself."

Research perspective

"Hard-working professionals need a convenient, quick way to eat healthy food because they often work long hours and don't have time to go grocery shopping."

Four Ws perspective

The methodology behind this type of problem statement is that it needs to include who, what, where and why.

Commonly used to solve a business problem by helping to improve the user experience and find a solution to pain points (specific problems that customers are facing), using this perspective typically includes the most detail.

"Our busy working professional is struggling to eat healthy food during the week as she is consistently working long hours. Our solution needs to deliver a quick and convenient way for her to purchase healthy food to eat at home and at work."

Each of the above perspectives addresses the same problem, just from a different point of view.

As long as you focus on the problem and figure out a potential solution, it is up to you to choose what perspective you decide to write your problem statement.

Related: Defining Problems: The Most Important Business Skill You've Never Been Taught | Entrepreneur

Three key elements of a problem statement

A typical problem statement consists of three key elements .

  • The specific problem is stated clearly and detailed enough to explain why it is crucial.
  • The method by which the problem will be solved.
  • The purpose, statement of objective and scope of the study.

It is essential to include a statement of objective at the beginning of your problem statement. This allows the reader to know precisely what the statement will be about.

The scope of your problem statement should be a short statement that describes what will be talked about and what won't be talked about in your statement and is often included in the statement's introduction.

Below is a problem statement written by Tan T. Trinh , "Winglets at Takeoffs and Landings," which utilizes these three key elements:

The problem

A recent trend in the design of new aircraft is the addition of winglets, which are small fins attached to the ends of the main wing.

After an aircraft has taken off and is cruising, winglets improve its performance by reducing the drag caused by the main wing.

However, during the critical stages of aircraft takeoff and landing, the winglets cause two problems.

First, they cause vibrations in the main wing, commonly called buffeting.

Second, they cause the aircraft to lose some control of yaw, the motion of the nose right and left.

In a study funded by NASA [Ref. 2], the main wing of a DC-10 transport aircraft was outfitted with winglets and it experienced significant buffeting during takeoff and landing.

The method used to solve the problem

In our current project, we examine winglet-induced buffeting in three wing designs.

We record buffeting and yaw under experimental wind-tunnel takeoff and landing conditions for (1) a wing without winglets, (2) another wing with conventional winglets,and (3) a wing with spheroid winglets.

Our objective is to determine the degree to which differences between load lifts on the wings and their winglets during takeoff and landing are causing the performance problems we have described.

Related: Here are 5 Problem-solving Skills Every Entrepreneur Needs to Have

The purpose, statement of objective and scope

In this study, we develop theoretical models of winglet load lifts and compare these to the lifts of wings and winglets actually recorded during testing conditions.

Related: 27 Quotes to Change How You Think About Problems | Entrepreneur

Questions to answer when writing a problem statement

When writing your problem statement, you are problem-solving for a situation requiring a solution.

To write a great problem statement, in the brainstorming phase, ask yourself the following questions :

  • What are the people involved in the case study doing wrong?
  • What are the main issues and the root cause of their problem?
  • How does the problem affect those involved in the long run?
  • Does the problem create a domino effect? What is the potential expected outcome for those involved if no solution is found?
  • What or who are negatively contributing to the problem?
  • Is the reaction of others to the problem creating a pendulum effect?

Related: To Solve Big Problems, Assume Everything Is Wrong and Ask Dumb Questions | Entrepreneur

Problem statement examples

Continue reading for examples of problem statements that you can use as a template to base your statement on.

The following is a problem statement covering a youth homelessness crisis :

The goal of Youth Intentional Housing Supports is to quickly house youth experiencing housing insecurity while providing the support needed to remain stably housed and build a foundation for success in the future.

According to the City's Dashboard to End Homelessness, in March 2018 there were 1,227 youth experiencing homeless in the City.

Of those, 126 were matched to projects and awaiting enrollment, and 45 youth experiencing homelessness were enrolled in projects and awaiting permanent housing.

An average of 158 new youth seek support from our system each month, and it takes 144 days from identifying a youth to that youth being housed.

In order to reduce these prolonged episodes of homelessness, the City seeks to support a menu of housing interventions for youth that are developmentally appropriate and quickly deployable.

Related: These Inspiring Teen Girls Invented a Solar-Powered Housing Solution for the Homeless | Now They Are Presenting Their Work at MIT | Entrepreneur

Here is a problem statement about the decline in employee well-being :

The problem to be addressed by this study is the decline of employee well-being for followers of novice mid-level managers and the corresponding rise in employee turnover faced by business leaders across the financial services industry (Oh et al., 2014).

Low levels of employee well-being are toxic for morale and result in expensive turnover costs, dysfunctional work environments, anemic corporate cultures and poor customer service (Compdata, 2018; Oh et al., 2014).

According to Ufer (2017), the financial services industry suffers from one of the highest turnover rates among millennial-aged employees in all industries in the developed world, at 18.6% annually.

Starkman (2015) reported that 50% of those surveyed in financial services were not satisfied with a single one of the four key workplace aspects: job, firm, pay or career path.

Low levels of employee well-being interrupt a financial services' company's ability to deliver outstanding customer service in a world increasingly dependent on that commodity (Wladawsky-Berger, 2018).

Mid-level managers play an essential role in support of the success of many of top businesses today (Anicich & Hirsh, 2017).

The current body of literature does not adequately address the well-being issue in the financial services industry from the follower's perspective (Uhl-Bien, Riggio, Lowe, & Carsten, 2014).

Strategic direction flows top-down from senior executives and passes through mid-level leadership to individual contributors at more junior grades.

The mid-level managers' teams are tasked with the achievement of core tasks and the managers themselves are expected to maintain the workforce's morale, motivation and welfare (Anicich & Hirsh, 2017).

Unless industry leaders better understand the phenomenon of employee well-being from the follower perspective and its role in positioning employees to provide a premium client experience, they may be handicapped from preserving their most significant principal market differentiator: customer service (Wladawsky-Berger, 2018).

Related: Is Your Company Embracing These Employee Well-Being Trends?

The following is a problem statement dealing with unpredictable online student attendance:

Distance education via online platforms is a rapidly growing method of education delivery due to its convenience, wide reach, relatively low cost and ability to support the achievement of learning objectives.

Whether the platform is Blackboard, WebCT, Moodle, Angel, or some other learning management system, online education utilizes a variety of common learning tools including discussion boards, drop boxes, automated testing and wikis.

Chief among these tools are live online sessions. Live online sessions may be delivered in virtual classrooms from Adobe Connect, Elluminate, GoToMeeting, Wimba, or other software programs.

Regardless of the software used, student attendance at live online sessions, especially optional ones, can be unpredictable at best.

It is a common complaint among the online faculty at a university in the south that many, oftentimes most, of their students do not attend the live online sessions.

This study will address the problem of low student attendance at non-mandatory virtual classroom meetings in online college courses.

Offir, Lev and Bezalel (2008) found the interaction level in a synchronous class, also known as web conferencing, to be a significant factor in the effectiveness of the class.

Other researchers describe "the power of a synchronous online system to empower students in conversation and expression (McBrien, Jones, & Cheng, 2009). However, if students do not attend, then they cannot interact nor express themselves. According to Skylar (2009),"research concerning the use of newer multimedia technologies, such as interactive synchronous web conferencing tools, is in its infancy and needs further and continued study"(p. 82).

McBrien, Jones and Cheng (2009) stated that "more studies are needed to explore students' perceptions of the synchronous learning experience."

A variety of studies have explored the differences in functionalities of the various platforms (Kenning, 2010; Lavolette, Venable, Gose, & Huang, 2010), but they did not get to the heart of why students do or do not attend. This study will benefit college and university administrators who can create or revise policies based upon the results. Administrators may even decide to change virtual classroom providers.

Faculty may benefit if results indicate a change is needed in their own practices.

Finally, the study will benefit online students whose learning experiences will be improved by the findings.

Related: This Is What Hybrid Classrooms Have Taught Us About the Future of Work | Entrepreneur

Problem statements create answers

Whether you are writing a problem statement for work or school, on your own or with team members, it is essential to clearly define the problem and all its parameters to obtain a definitive solution.

By utilizing your decision-making skills and following the steps and examples above, you can find an answer to any research project that comes your way.

Check out Entrepreneur's other articles for more information about problem statements and other professional topics.

Entrepreneur Staff

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick Red Arrow

  • How This College Dropout Raised $29 Million for His Online Education Platform and Landed the Biggest Investor of All — Shaq
  • Lock 'Benign Neglect' Is a Parenting Style That Makes Children More Confident , Experts Say — Here's How to Do It Right
  • This Former Statistics Professor Has Made Over $1 Million 'Investing' in Sports. These Are the 2 Tactics He's Using to Bet on the Super Bowl .
  • The Basics of Writing a Business Plan
  • Lock 5 Reasons Why You Should Speak Up More — Especially If You Are a Younger Employee
  • Lock Couples Are Borrowing This Strategy From Their Corporate Jobs to Make Their Relationships Better — And It's Working

Related Topics Red Arrow

Most popular red arrow, 'forget about florida': barbara corcoran says this is where you should look for cheap, high-value property.

The "Shark Tank" star recently appeared in an episode of the "Elvis Duran Show" to talk about the real estate market.

This Former Amazon Employee Started a Side Hustle Because She Wanted 'Lifestyle Freedom' — Now Her Business Earns $100,000 a Month

Julie Berninger, former tech project manager and current Etsy shop owner, successfully transitioned her side hustle into a full-scale business, Gold City Ventures.

Terminating an Employee? These Are the Legal Ins and Outs You Need to Know

As a business owner or HR manager, you will inevitably have to terminate employees. Keeping these considerations in mind can help to protect you and your company in the long run.

United Airlines Says It Lost $2 Billion in 3 Years Since Waiving Change Fees for Flights

The company announced that over 10 million customers have taken advantage of the new policy since 2020.

Coca-Cola Rolls Out a 'Spiced' New Permanent Flavor — Its First in 3 Years

The new spicy flavor will hit shelves in North America on February 19.

Lyft Becomes First Rideshare Company to Implement Minimum Pay For Drivers

The company will now guarantee that its drivers take home at least 70% of rider payment.

Successfully copied link

comscore

problem solving statement examples

How to Write to Problem Statements (Examples Included)

Fahad Usmani, PMP

November 16, 2023

problem statements

A problem statement is a summary of all the problems you intend to address. It contextualizes the problem(s), provides the details, and defines the research objective to find the solution. A problem statement is a problem-solving method.

A problem statement is crucial for any new business endeavor, research, or project. It serves as a compass that guides the efforts towards a defined goal. A well-crafted problem statement not only helps in focusing efforts but also gets support and resources for the proposed solution.

In today’s post, we will discuss the problem statements and how to write them, and finally, we will see some examples of problem statements. However, before that, let us know the problem statement and when you should write it.

What Are Problem Statements?

A problem statement details the problems the business faces in carrying out its processes, expanding its business, launching new products, etc. It identifies the gap between the current state and the desired state of the process or product.

The problem statement details how the problem impacts your customers, employees, other stakeholders, or the organization .

The information in the problem statement is objectives based on facts and avoids speculation and bias. It explains a challenge that sums up what you want to change. It helps your team members and other stakeholders to focus on the problem.

A problem statement has the following three characteristics:

  • It includes the problem details and why the problem must be solved.
  • It includes the proposed solution.
  • It details how the proposed solution will solve the problem and how you will implement it.

Five Components of a Problem Statement

To write a problem statement, focusing on the five Ws: who, what, when, where, and why or how, can help write an effective problem statement.

Asking these questions will ensure that you cover all the key elements of the problem:

  • Who: Who is affected by the problem?
  • What: What is the current state of the problem, and what is the desired state of the problem? Alternatively, what is the magnitude of the problem?
  • When: When will the problem occur? Alternatively, how long has the problem been going on?
  • Where: Where is the problem occurring?
  • Why: Why is this problem important or worth solving? 

Ensure you ask the right questions to stakeholders while developing the problem statement.

When Should You Write Your Problem Statement?

A problem statement helps understand the problem and find the possible solution. You can write your problem statement in many situations. 

For example, your organization needs to improve its processes for better efficiency and create a project for this purpose. So, you will write a problem statement to solve the organization’s problems.

The following are a few instances in which you should write a problem statement:

  • When you want to clarify the expected outcome
  • When you are starting a new project or initiative
  • When you are trying to solve a complex problem
  • When you are trying to get buy-in from stakeholders
  • When you are trying to communicate the problem to others clearly and concisely

A problem statement is a key document that is the basis of the feasibility and cost-benefit analysis .

How to Write an Effective Problem Statement

The following are the key elements of an effective problem statement; ensure you include them while writing the problem statement:

Step I: Provide a Context to the Problem

Before writing the problem, you must provide the context or the background of the problem so the stakeholders can be prepared to understand the problem. 

You can describe the virtual situation that how the system would work if the current problem is not solved before providing the solution and its benefits.

Step II: Explain the Problem

Now, you can explain the problem in detail. You can write about the issue and how it impacts the organization negatively. You can write about what will happen if the organization is left in its current state and the problem is not solved.

You can include attempts by earlies to solve the problem and why they failed. Provide all information you know about the current problem in brief.

Step III: Define Your Objectives

At the end, explain how you will solve the problem. The intention should not be to correct the problem but to find the root cause and solve it once and for all. Explain how the proposed solution is the best course of action.

You must back up your claims with evidence and objective data. Show them how the proposed solution will cost and the financial benefits of it.

You can include the tangible and intangible benefits of the proposed solution.

You can finally conclude the problem statement by summarizing the problem statement, its impact on the business and not solved on time, your proposed solution, and its benefit.

Best Practices for Writing a Problem Statement

To ensure that your problem statement is robust and provides precise information, follow the following best practices:

  • Structure your content well, use simple language, and avoid using complex sentences, idioms, and phrases. The statement should be easy to read and understand and should not confuse the reader.
  • Don’t explain the problem, and avoid subjective details. Provide objective data and keep the statement as simple and precise as possible.
  • Objective data representation doesn’t require much effort to analyze. Make it simple to understand and use graphs if possible.
  • After capturing the problem, refine it continuously by analyzing it from multiple perspectives and different points of view.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Problem Statement?

A few benefits of using a problem statement are as follows:

  • Clarity and Focus: It helps identify the issue at hand while providing focus and direction to those who are solving the problem.
  • Decision-Making Guidance: It outlines the specific problem that needs attention.
  • Effort Alignment: Articulating the problem helps align the efforts of different individuals or teams toward a common goal. It ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page.
  • Problem-Scope Definition: It assists with defining the problem’s scope, preventing scope creep , and ensuring that efforts are concentrated on the core issue without distractions.
  • Measurement and Evaluation: It helps create measurable success criteria. This makes it easier to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed solutions and to track progress.
  • Problem-Solving Process Improvement: It encourages a thorough understanding of the problem, thereby enhancing the problem-solving process. It promotes thoughtful analysis and considers potential solutions to improve the process, product, or user experience.
  • Communication: It serves as a communication tool , thereby enabling effective communication between stakeholders. A well-constructed problem statement facilitates discussion and collaboration.

Problem Statement Examples

Great problem statements are simple, to the point, and precise. They describe the pain points in a few lines and leave no space for any confusion.

Now, I will give you two examples of problem statements for better understanding.

Problem Statement Example #1

The unavailability of medical facilities in a developing country causes health risks to local populations and severely affects the health of children.

The above problem statement clearly specifies the problem on hand, that is, the unavailability of medical facilities and medicines. Afterward, it explains the negative consequence of the problem if left unsolved.

By focusing on the problem, the stakeholders can find the solution.

Problem Statement Example #2

The company must launch a new product to capture the market for the newly created niche.

Here, the problem specifies that the market demands a new product, so the business must launch its product to capture the market and establish itself.

For example, when Apple launched the iPhone, it was the first touchscreen phone and created a new niche in the mobile segment. Afterward, other mobile phone makers, such as Samsung and Nokia, launched touchscreen mobile phones to capture the market quickly.

As organizations deal with complex challenges, defining and addressing problems through thoughtful problem statements remains a key skill for driving meaningful change and progress.

A good problem statement lays the groundwork for successful problem-solving endeavors. It acts as a roadmap to guide researchers, project managers, and teams toward effective solutions.

problem solving statement examples

I am Mohammad Fahad Usmani, B.E. PMP, PMI-RMP. I have been blogging on project management topics since 2011. To date, thousands of professionals have passed the PMP exam using my resources.

PMP Question Bank

This is the most popular Question Bank for the PMP Exam. To date, this PMP Question Bank has helped over 10,000 PMP aspirants pass the PMP exam. 

PMP Training Program

This is a PMI-approved 35 contact hours training program and it is based on the latest exam content outline applicable from Jan 2nd, 2021.

Similar Posts

PERT: Definition, PERT Formula, PERT Chart, Technique & Example

PERT: Definition, PERT Formula, PERT Chart, Technique & Example

Schedule baseline and cost baseline are the two most important performance measurement baselines for any project. Cost baseline helps you assess the cost performance of the project, while the schedule baseline involves the duration.

Clients are very interested in the schedule because any delay can affect their business. So, project managers should give schedule development a top priority.

Developing a schedule is a big task and requires a thorough knowledge of schedule network diagramming techniques and experience.

11 Project Plan Examples: Real-Life Project Plan Samples

11 Project Plan Examples: Real-Life Project Plan Samples

The success of a project depends on the project plan. Without a project plan, project managers cannot measure the project’s progress, team members will be in the dark, and the project will be unsuccessful. Today’s blog post will provide a few project plan examples and samples to help you develop your project plan. However, before…

Top 9 Requirements Elicitation Techniques Used by Business Analysts

Top 9 Requirements Elicitation Techniques Used by Business Analysts

The PMI (Project Management Institute, USA) popularized the term “requirement elicitation” when they published the second edition of the BABoK (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge) Guide in 2009. The BABoK Guide is the most popular guide for business analysts.  In today’s blog post, we will discuss the requirement elicitation technique in detail, but let’s first…

How To Write a Project Plan?

How To Write a Project Plan?

The project manager is responsible for identifying the stakeholders, collecting requirements, and developing the project plan. Developing a project plan is essential to ensuring the project’s success.  Today’s blog post will discuss the project plan, its importance, and how to write a project plan. Why Are Project Plans Important? If there isn’t a plan for…

What is a Milestone Trend Analysis?

What is a Milestone Trend Analysis?

A milestone trend analysis (MTA) is a project-planning technique that helps the project manager track the project’s progress. By looking at the milestone trend analysis chart, stakeholders can understand the direction the project is heading in and take remedial actions if required. In today’s article, we will discuss trend analysis in project management in detail,…

What is an Affinity Diagram (Example & Template Included)

What is an Affinity Diagram (Example & Template Included)

The affinity diagram (also known as the “affinity chart,” “affinity mapping,” “K-J Method,” or “thematic analysis”) is one of the Seven Management and Planning Tools developed by Japanese anthropologist Jiro Kawakit in the 1960s. The affinity diagram groups a large number of ideas according to their relationship with each other. Businesses use various idea collection…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

web analytics

ProjectPractical.com

50 Business Problem Statement Examples [+Tips To Write]

Editorial Team

50 Business Problem Statement Examples

Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned one, you need to have insights into what a problem statement for a business is, its examples, how to write it, and any other information about it.

When workplace staff members and departmental teams express initiative in solving problems, they demonstrate competence in handling complex and unanticipated challenges at work. Businesses rely on individuals and teams that can effectively analyze challenges and propose working solutions.

In this article, we offer tips on how to generate problem statements, with 50 comprehensive business examples you can use for reference.

What’s The Meaning Of A Problem Statement? 

 A problem statement summarizes a challenge that needs timely intervention to help improve a situation. It summarizes the problem in business, why it is a problem and how to address it. Businesses thrive when they can solve potential and existing customers’ issues.

Pointers On How To Write A Problem Statement 

A problem statement must be accurate and precise. There are vital components to consider when crafting a problem statement that can positively impact a project’s outcome. These include:

1. A Description Of How Things Should Work

First, provide some context that will make it easier to understand the problem by explaining how this process is supposed to function and work. Mention the problem while keeping the end-user in mind.

2. An Overview Of What The Problem Is And Explaining Its Impact

A practical problem statement should address a problem stating what it is, why it is a problem, and the benefits of solving it. It reveals who the problem affects and why it needs fixing. You could indicate any attempts you have undertaken to fix the problem and why those attempts did not work. Explain in detail your understanding of the problem at hand. Usually, fixing a problem in a business setup will help improve efficiency in the workflow processes, save time, minimize the wastage of resources, and impact the cost.

3. An Explanation Of The Cost Implications

When you explain the problem to critical stakeholders, mention the cost implications of not addressing the issue. Entrepreneurs understand the money language better, so framing the problem and projected solution regarding financial consequences is easier. Try to be specific by pinpointing exact figures of how much the business will lose if the issue remains unresolved and how much the business will save by implementing a workable solution. The problem of wasting resources or preventing the company from maximizing profits should reflect in the problem statement.

4. Evidence To Support Your Theory 

After stating the financial implications, you need to support your claims with evidence if the stakeholders are to take you seriously. You must conduct comprehensive research, cite your sources, and give practical examples. You must have relevant data to present if the need arises.

5. Suggestions For The Solutions 

A problem statement should propose a detailed solution to the problem. At this juncture, you need to have a firm grasp of where the challenges are arising from and offer practical approaches to mitigate them. You must outline your objectives by suggesting an ingenious strategy for addressing challenges.

6. Benefits Of Your Suggested Solutions 

After pinpointing the problem:

  • Explain the ramifications of not fixing these setbacks and propose appropriate solutions.
  • Demonstrate this by focusing on efficiency and the financial impact the solution will have helps convince stakeholders of the viability of the problem statement.
  • Comprehensively outline how the solution will impact finances by increasing revenue streams, reducing expenses, improving productivity, saving time, and increasing profit margins.    

7. A Summary Of The Problem And The Expected Solution 

In conclusion, you must summarize the problem, explain why it needs fixing, and provide an overview of why your solution is the best.

50 Business Problem Statement Examples  

1. social media channel.

While Mark Zuckerberg was studying, Harvard had its version of Facebook. Though it was possible to search other students’ profiles on the university wall, it was not possible to interact and perform any social interaction by liking, commenting, or networking. 

Problem:  The logistics of trying to connect, network, and interact with like-minded friends without physically having to travel.

“Human beings are social beings. They would love to interact and network with people in faraway places without physically traveling. People love to socialize but hate having to spend to do it.”

Solution:  Facebook allows its audience to search and network with like-minded individuals.

2. Manufacturing 

Problem:  An inefficient manual assembly process that consumes plenty of time affects productivity as employees have to spend hours manually installing machine parts. The long delays negatively impact production goals as you could spend that time developing products is spent fixing faulty machines.

Solution:  Automating assembly processes and installing conveyor belts to optimize manufacturing workflows.

Problem Statement:  Rigorous labor-intensive processing due to manual paperwork management.

3. Streaming Entertainment Service Company

Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services came to solve the problem of people having to go to video stores to rent movies. They did this by trying to eliminate video stores and delivering movies to customers allowing them to keep those movies for as long as they needed. For this, their problem statement would be similar to this one:

“Clients detest going to a video store. They don’t like traveling back and forth and they hate paying late fees even more.” An interpretation of the problem statement is:  

Problem: Going to the store entails fighting through traffic and waiting in queues for your turn to get the movies you want.

Solution: The streaming service allows customers to enjoy numerous movies streamed directly to their mailbox. In this short statement, you have given an investor a simplified view of the problem and its solution. Grand problem statements focus on issues so the audience can identify with that problem and appreciate the solution the business is trying to come up with.

4. Software Company

Problem: Manual auditing delays processes in the finance department due to the cumbersome process of verifying and counterchecking financial statements, searching for documents for reference, and manually collaborating with different teams is negatively affecting productivity. The lengthy auditing process leads to many errors where documents get misplaced or lost, and it takes a lot of time to locate and retrieve them.

Solution:  An online database with search filters that simplifies the process of searching for documents.

5. Busy Office 

Process:  Forms for different functions like annual, sick or emergency leave need to be filled by employees for review and management approval. Human resource teams must scrutinize the forms, verify, scan, and upload them to the system. After that, the papers move to the finance department for manual re-entry, and payroll preparation begins.

Problem:  Overdependence on the manual system leads to irregularities, delays, omissions, and mistakes in service delivery to employees and vendors. This promotes a poor organizational response to arising issues and wastes precious time trying to identify and correct errors.

Solution:  Automating repetitive processes to help teams concentrate on the core business.

6. Engineering 

Problem:  Manual transportation of machine parts from one assembly line to the next, leading to inefficiencies making it impossible to meet the yearly production goals despite hiring additional staff.

Solution:  To minimize manual transportation of machine parts and increase reliance on mechanical robot arms and conveyor belts that appear between assembly lines. Such a move will prevent employees from walking back and forth across the assembly lines.  

Problem Statement:  Employee Efficiency to Improve Productivity

7. Healthcare Center

A medical facility operates 24/7 as patients need care round the clock.

Problem: There’s an insufficiency of medical personnel, especially on the night shift, which presents challenges during emergencies. Unfortunately, patients must wait hours for medical assistance, leading to inefficiencies.

Solution: The hospital must always have a medic on call to handle each department to prevent patients from being stranded during emergencies. Hiring part-time staff for the night shift will help alleviate the problem.

8. Cosmetics 

Problem Statement:  Customer dissatisfaction with skin care products for Caucasian skin

Problem:  Customers complain about the harshness of the sunblock cream.

Impact: Mistrust and suspicion about the quality of the products.

Solution: Product recall as it needs more analysis and tests.  

9. Ecommerce Business 

Problem Statement : Sales Quote Output

The quote generation display is critical as sales teams must swiftly generate quotes for customers to make their payments on time.

Problem : The quote generation display in the sales app is faulty, with sales teams complaining that the screen is prone to errors and consumes plenty of time to make it function. These issues have led to lost productivity in the sales department.

Solution : The department needs app improvements by replacing or upgrading existing software. 

10. Business Startup

Problem Statement : Inefficient customer data security

Problem : storing customer data in separate data stores with questionable encryption security practices presents operational risks and substantial reputational challenges.

Solution : Enlist the services of an IT expert to help improve the process of storing customer data.

11. Consultancy Firm 

Problem Statement:  Sales Software Outage

Problem:  Collapsing of the manual and automatic communication software for an extended period causes a communication breakdown. One section of the app experienced an outage that the mechanical system failed to pick up. Technicians tried the manual option but experienced error notifications a couple of times. The manual and automatic processes could not redirect calls to the API in a timely process leading to miscommunication and a loss in productivity. The setback arose during core business hours which had a massive negative impact on sales.

Solution : The outage could have been managed if the problem had been detected with API calls being redirected to a different location.

12. SaaS Company

Problem : Users of our software have challenges using it as they have to manually transfer information into the CRM after sending proposals. They need the CRM to track emails, phone calls, and other conversations that involve customer interactions. Without CRM integration, the software causes a frustrating experience for software users.

Solution : Send segmented surveys to determine the most effective CRMs to integrate and customize these integrations to improve user experience.

Problem Statement : Saas platform with an AI assistant for recruiters.

13. Recruitment Firms 

Hiring teams experience numerous repetitive hiring tasks, including vetting applications, scheduling or rescheduling interviews, handling cancellations, responding to concerns, and shortlisting applicants at various application stages.

Problem:  Plenty of tedious, monotonous manual work takes away the joy of meeting and assessing applicants that perfectly fit job descriptions.

Solution : Utilizing artificial intelligence technology or software applications that automate these processes.

14. Employee Management 

Problem:  Our organization needs a more secure way of onboarding and offboarding employees because the current system is cumbersome. Hiring managers have to depend on security teams to perform the same tasks.

Solution:  automating repetitive onboarding and offboarding processes.

15. Learning Institutions

Problem Statement:  Motivation for resolving tech issues Our school needs a work-from-home policy that allows staff to operate remotely.

Problem:  Our inexperience is causing us anxiety as we may lose competent staff to our more organized competitors.

Solution:  provide our teams with adequate tools and devices to protect the security of our data when staff operate remotely. We must provide secure access to cloud computing software and communication channels like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Learning to use collaboration software will be a mandatory skill for staff.  

16. Real Estate

Problem:  Despite our real estate company’s decision to benchmark for free trial sign-ups that have remained steady, our paid subscriptions declined in the last few weeks. This means our business isn’t experiencing a traffic setback but a conversion challenge caused by a rise in mortgage interest rates, widespread economic challenges, pricing, and workflow processes.

Solution:  Restructure the free trial to offer less value because users gain too much from the free plan, which prevents them from signing up for a paid plan. Currently, users must sign up for a paid plan to access leads of real estate deals. We should also upgrade our software to include additional features that will retain investors on our platform.

17. Software Application 

Problem:  Users of our newspaper app avoid sharing content through the app and instead export the content from the app. This poses a challenge in our marketing strategy because potential customers need to be made aware that the content shared originates from our app leading to lower conversion rates. It also poses a challenge for app users as exporting range is time-consuming and could decrease app usage.  

18. Sales Strategies

Problem: Sales reps conduct manual planning using Excel spreadsheets and typed printout lists. They need more time which leads to difficulty in meeting targets. It also causes challenges in knowing which targets to visit, which affects sales and the inability to meet set goals.

19. Customer Care

Problem:  customers call the contact center seeking updates on their applications. Due to the vast volume, many applicants wait long hours to speak to an agent because the call center is understaffed. Employees are ill-equipped and lack adequate access to applicants’ track records, further compounding the backlog. The outcome leads to a frustrating experience for both applicants and staff. 

Problem Statement:  Using project management software for collaboration improves efficiency and productivity.

20. Problem:  Communication breakdown caused by overreliance on an inefficient manual system.

Solution:  Introducing technology by integrating a reliable project management system.

21. Problem Statement:  Stay-at-home-mums need an avenue to feel connected to a support group as they spend long periods alone.

Solution:  An app or social media channel where these mums can interact and network while attending to their babies.

22. Digital Transformation

Problem Statement:  Customers need a solution to help them create websites without overreliance on IT experts.

Problem:  People detest contacting IT specialists as the process is cumbersome.

Solution:  Apps that offer guidance to web users in creating simple websites.

23. Agricultural Firm 

Problem Statement:  Preserving perishables to minimize wastage.

Problem:  Though Jack& Jill Farms provides products to many supermarkets across the country, they consistently experience a loss due to their limited storage capacity and the fact that most of their products are highly perishable.

Solution:  Maintain an efficient supply chain to guarantee a ready market once the product leaves the farms. The firm must invest in modern storage facilities to improve preservation and shipping. 

24. Waste Management 

Problem Statement : Conduct a study on the proper waste management system.

Problem:  Manufacturing firms in my area are releasing industrial chemicals into the river leading to environmental degradation.

Solution:  Present a research proposal to the city authorities requesting permission to conduct a proper waste management system analysis and devise a viable solution.

25. Virtual Assistant 

Problem:  Challenges onboarding new clients, which lead to prolonged periods of idleness and a struggle to meet basic needs

Solution:  Integrating new technology in marketing and creating awareness for the business.  

Other examples of problem statement ideas include:

26. Problem:  Fierce competition

Solution:  Market the business online and offline using technology and modern strategies.

27. Problem:  Unrealistic expectations 

Solution:  Manage expectations by setting realistic goals.

28. Problem:  Challenges in hiring suitable candidates

Solution:  Shortlist suitable applicants and review each application noting an applicant’s experience level and skills.

29. Problem:  Cyber security threats that lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Solution:  Engaging the services of an IT expert.

30. Problem:  challenges in gaining client trust 

Solution: Develop healthy relationships to improve trust. 

31. Problem:  Financial setbacks 

Solution:  Engage the services of a financial expert who can help streamline cash flows and budgetary allocations and share helpful insights. 

32. Problem:  Uncertainty about the future and not being able to predict customer and market trends 

Solution:  Consulting the services of an expert who can predict essential trends.

33. Problem:  Resisting change. 

Solution:  Know when to embrace change by firing and hiring new staff or overhauling processes to improve efficiency.

34. Problem:  Employee retention

Solution:  Addressing employee challenges and offering incentives, and rewarding job performance

35. Problem : Lack of startup capital 

Solution:  Use locally available material, start small, and consistently plow profits into the business.

36. Problem:  Fluctuating prices due to inflation

Problem Statement:  Diversify and Optimize

Solution:  Altering business models to suit the current prevailing situation.

37. Problem: Administrative Workload 

Solution:  Outsourcing or hiring temporary staff to handle bookkeeping, repetitive tasks or automating workflows.

38. Problem: Time Management Challenges 

Solution:  Proper planning and organization by prioritizing and delegating tasks, especially those with short turnaround periods.

39. Problem: Marketing And Advertising Challenges

Solution:  Defining what strategies would work best by researching the market and identifying the ideal target market. From there, develop a plan that targets that group.

40. Problem: Low Business Leads To Client Over-Dependence 

Solution:  Diversify your client base to prevent closing the shop once a major client closes their account with you.

41. Problem: Indiscipline In Money Management 

Solution:  Learning good financial habits and disciplining oneself to stick to set rules. A business should have a diversified client base to cushion the company when a single client quits or defaults payments.

42. Problem: Work-Related Pressure Leading To Fatigue

Solution:  Most successful business owners fall into the habit of overworking, leading to burnout and fatigue. Success doesn’t mean slavery but the ability to integrate balance into one’s activities.

43. Problem: Founder Dependence 

Solution:  A business that stagnates without its founder is a business with a time limit.

44. Problem Statement: Balancing Growth And Quality

Problem:  sometimes, a business must sacrifice to scale up. This means that you may only be able to manage some client relationships personally.

Solution:  Navigate the process to allow growth without interfering with the brand.

45. Problem: Meeting Customer Demand

Solution:  Awareness of what the customer wants and prioritizing their needs

46. Problem:  Maintaining quality customer relations

Solution:  Consistency, patience, and nurturing healthy relationships

47. Problem:  Preserving a good reputation

The speed of information makes tracking your business’s public image challenging.

Solution:  Utilize software or companies that track social media for mentions of your company. With technology, you can get notifications about an arising issue and be able to address it immediately. 

48. Problem:  Marketing in a saturated marketplace 

Solution:  Market strategically using unique and compelling messages to attract potential clients

49. Problem:  Choosing the right tools 

Solution:  Identify the need and look for tools that help meet that specific need.

50. Problem: Globalization

Understanding foreign cultures are crucial to penetrating new markets with existing products or services.

Solution:  Altering designs to accommodate new markets

Conclusion 

Every successful company starts by creating a solution to a need, an important reason your business needs to have a problem statement. The better you articulate the problem, the more treasured your solution will be. Most companies make the mistake of not giving the problem as much importance as the solution. Instead, many entrepreneurs concentrate on the solution and completely forget to explain why the problem is essential. Before your business markets a solution to a problem, make sure your clientele is aware of the problem your business is solving, which is made clear through your problem statement. Comprehensively articulating a problem statement help in improving the effectiveness of your business.

  • How to Run an Effective and Safe Machine Shop
  • Business Communication: Introduction to Persuasive Writing
  • 7 Things You Need Before Starting a Travel Agency
  • 5 Tools to Help You Increase Sales in Your Fashion Business

most recent

Is a DUI Considered a Criminal Offense in Ohio

Tips & Guides

Is a dui considered a criminal offense in ohio.

The Evolution of Workspace

The Evolution of Workspace: A Journey through Classroom and Office Furniture Trends

Resin Restaurant Chairs

Exploring the Versatility of Resin Restaurant Chairs: From Outdoor Patios to Fine Dining Establishments

© 2024 Copyright ProjectPractical.com

problem solving statement examples

Examples Of A Problem Statement

Mehak’s organization is a few years old. As an entrepreneur, her efforts are geared toward implementing streamlined processes and procedures…

Problem Statement Examples in Business

Mehak’s organization is a few years old. As an entrepreneur, her efforts are geared toward implementing streamlined processes and procedures to make sure things keep running smoothly.

At the end of the fourth year, she decides to take stock of where they are compared to where they were. She identifies a few problems and decides to consolidate that information in a few problem statements.

“ We must reduce our turnaround time by 50%, improve response time and follow through significantly to improve communication and meet our targets. ”

A problem statement defines the gap between your desired goal and the current state of things. With a problem statement, organizations and individuals are able to describe what’s standing in their way, and come up with viable solutions.

Read on to learn more about problem statement examples in business and education to understand what makes a good problem statement.

Online casino türkiye oyna

What Is An Example Of A Problem Statement?

Problem statement examples in business, problem statement examples in education, defining problems to find solutions.

Before digging deeper into a problem statement, let’s look at an example of a problem statement:

“We don’t have an effective, flexible and versatile customer relationship management or CRM system. We need to upgrade our CRM efforts to improve brand recall.”

Marketing efforts may suffer if you don’t have a robust CRM to support your ideas. This problem statement clearly defines the problem and states why it’s important. This example of a problem statement is descriptive, concise and cohesive.

Problem statements are essential in both business and education. Whether you’re writing a business report or a 5,000-word research essay, a problem statement will help you condense information to make it easier to communicate. The simpler the problem statement, the easier it is to share with all stakeholders—clients, employees, investors, teachers or classmates.

Examples of a good problem statement may be based on professional or personal accomplishments. Your problem statement may be about spending your time off more effectively. But problem statement examples in business are targets to solve specific business needs like increasing sales targets, establishing businesses online or reducing employee turnover.

For instance, consider the following example of a problem statement :

Employee turnover rate is up by 60% with most of them leaving due to lack of support for growth opportunities. To retain top talent, we need to invest in quality training and development initiatives.

This problem statement states the organization is suffering from an uptick in employee turnover. Based on feedback, most employees left because they felt their ambitions to grow weren’t supported. The solution offered hence is investing in employee training and development.

In college, we submit test reports, projects and assignments that start with either an abstract or an introductory paragraph that explains the contents. These are the problem statement examples in education . It could be the basis for a master’s thesis that addresses the problem and explains the method used to solve it, along with the results.

For essays and reports, the problem statement can be longer than a problem statement in a professional context. Here’s an example:

There have been several problems with transitioning to a fully online study model in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report aims to describe the advantages and disadvantages of this transition, with interviews and case studies. The study has interviews from eleven K-12 teachers in charge of different courses and subjects. Their experience of teaching online classes, with cohorts of different sizes, reveals that online learning is challenging, but advantageous in the long run.

The problem statement can be a few paragraphs long. You can add any setbacks you faced and how you overcame them during your research. In education, it’s important to set the context like you would for a layperson.

The first step in problem-solving, one of the greatest workplace skills, is to define the problem in clear and concise terms. If you want to communicate a problem to others, they need to be able to understand it without diving into much background information. Harappa’s Defining Problems course will teach you how to present a problem in a simple, streamlined manner. From barriers to problem-solving to identifying the Harappa Problem Definition Framework, our helpful modules will transform you into an effective problem solver. Become a solution- and goal-oriented professional with the right toolkit to achieve excellent results.

Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics such as What Is a Problem Statement , Analyze Problems , Problem Solving Process and Problem Solving Methods to classify problems and solve them efficiently.

Thriversitybannersidenav

logo that says helpful professor with a mortarboard hat picture next to it

39 Best Problem-Solving Examples

problem-solving examples and definition, explained below

Problem-solving is a process where you’re tasked with identifying an issue and coming up with the most practical and effective solution.

This indispensable skill is necessary in several aspects of life, from personal relationships to education to business decisions.

Problem-solving aptitude boosts rational thinking, creativity, and the ability to cooperate with others. It’s also considered essential in 21st Century workplaces.

If explaining your problem-solving skills in an interview, remember that the employer is trying to determine your ability to handle difficulties. Focus on explaining exactly how you solve problems, including by introducing your thoughts on some of the following frameworks and how you’ve applied them in the past.

Problem-Solving Examples

1. divergent thinking.

Divergent thinking refers to the process of coming up with multiple different answers to a single problem. It’s the opposite of convergent thinking, which would involve coming up with a singular answer .

The benefit of a divergent thinking approach is that it can help us achieve blue skies thinking – it lets us generate several possible solutions that we can then critique and analyze .

In the realm of problem-solving, divergent thinking acts as the initial spark. You’re working to create an array of potential solutions, even those that seem outwardly unrelated or unconventional, to get your brain turning and unlock out-of-the-box ideas.

This process paves the way for the decision-making stage, where the most promising ideas are selected and refined.

Go Deeper: Divervent Thinking Examples

2. Convergent Thinking

Next comes convergent thinking, the process of narrowing down multiple possibilities to arrive at a single solution.

This involves using your analytical skills to identify the best, most practical, or most economical solution from the pool of ideas that you generated in the divergent thinking stage.

In a way, convergent thinking shapes the “roadmap” to solve a problem after divergent thinking has supplied the “destinations.”

Have a think about which of these problem-solving skills you’re more adept at: divergent or convergent thinking?

Go Deeper: Convergent Thinking Examples

3. Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a group activity designed to generate a multitude of ideas regarding a specific problem. It’s divergent thinking as a group , which helps unlock even more possibilities.

A typical brainstorming session involves uninhibited and spontaneous ideation, encouraging participants to voice any possible solutions, no matter how unconventional they might appear.

It’s important in a brainstorming session to suspend judgment and be as inclusive as possible, allowing all participants to get involved.

By widening the scope of potential solutions, brainstorming allows better problem definition, more creative solutions, and helps to avoid thinking “traps” that might limit your perspective.

Go Deeper: Brainstorming Examples

4. Thinking Outside the Box

The concept of “thinking outside the box” encourages a shift in perspective, urging you to approach problems from an entirely new angle.

Rather than sticking to traditional methods and processes, it involves breaking away from conventional norms to cultivate unique solutions.

In problem-solving, this mindset can bypass established hurdles and bring you to fresh ideas that might otherwise remain undiscovered.

Think of it as going off the beaten track when regular routes present roadblocks to effective resolution.

5. Case Study Analysis

Analyzing case studies involves a detailed examination of real-life situations that bear relevance to the current problem at hand.

For example, if you’re facing a problem, you could go to another environment that has faced a similar problem and examine how they solved it. You’d then bring the insights from that case study back to your own problem.

This approach provides a practical backdrop against which theories and assumptions can be tested, offering valuable insights into how similar problems have been approached and resolved in the past.

See a Broader Range of Analysis Examples Here

6. Action Research

Action research involves a repetitive process of identifying a problem, formulating a plan to address it, implementing the plan, and then analyzing the results. It’s common in educational research contexts.

The objective is to promote continuous learning and improvement through reflection and action. You conduct research into your problem, attempt to apply a solution, then assess how well the solution worked. This becomes an iterative process of continual improvement over time.

For problem-solving, this method offers a way to test solutions in real-time and allows for changes and refinements along the way, based on feedback or observed outcomes. It’s a form of active problem-solving that integrates lessons learned into the next cycle of action.

Go Deeper: Action Research Examples

7. Information Gathering

Fundamental to solving any problem is the process of information gathering.

This involves collecting relevant data , facts, and details about the issue at hand, significantly aiding in the understanding and conceptualization of the problem.

In problem-solving, information gathering underpins every decision you make.

This process ensures your actions are based on concrete information and evidence, allowing for an informed approach to tackle the problem effectively.

8. Seeking Advice

Seeking advice implies turning to knowledgeable and experienced individuals or entities to gain insights on problem-solving.

It could include mentors, industry experts, peers, or even specialized literature.

The value in this process lies in leveraging different perspectives and proven strategies when dealing with a problem. Moreover, it aids you in avoiding pitfalls, saving time, and learning from others’ experiences.

9. Creative Thinking

Creative thinking refers to the ability to perceive a problem in a new way, identify unconventional patterns, or produce original solutions.

It encourages innovation and uniqueness, often leading to the most effective results.

When applied to problem-solving, creative thinking can help you break free from traditional constraints, ideal for potentially complex or unusual problems.

Go Deeper: Creative Thinking Examples

10. Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is a strategy developed to resolve disagreements and arguments, often involving communication, negotiation, and compromise.

When employed as a problem-solving technique, it can diffuse tension, clear bottlenecks, and create a collaborative environment.

Effective conflict resolution ensures that differing views or disagreements do not become roadblocks in the process of problem-solving.

Go Deeper: Conflict Resolution Examples

11. Addressing Bottlenecks

Bottlenecks refer to obstacles or hindrances that slow down or even halt a process.

In problem-solving, addressing bottlenecks involves identifying these impediments and finding ways to eliminate them.

This effort not only smooths the path to resolution but also enhances the overall efficiency of the problem-solving process.

For example, if your workflow is not working well, you’d go to the bottleneck – that one point that is most time consuming – and focus on that. Once you ‘break’ this bottleneck, the entire process will run more smoothly.

12. Market Research

Market research involves gathering and analyzing information about target markets, consumers, and competitors.

In sales and marketing, this is one of the most effective problem-solving methods. The research collected from your market (e.g. from consumer surveys) generates data that can help identify market trends, customer preferences, and competitor strategies.

In this sense, it allows a company to make informed decisions, solve existing problems, and even predict and prevent future ones.

13. Root Cause Analysis

Root cause analysis is a method used to identify the origin or the fundamental reason for a problem.

Once the root cause is determined, you can implement corrective actions to prevent the problem from recurring.

As a problem-solving procedure, root cause analysis helps you to tackle the problem at its source, rather than dealing with its surface symptoms.

Go Deeper: Root Cause Analysis Examples

14. Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a visual tool used to structure information, helping you better analyze, comprehend and generate new ideas.

By laying out your thoughts visually, it can lead you to solutions that might not have been apparent with linear thinking.

In problem-solving, mind mapping helps in organizing ideas and identifying connections between them, providing a holistic view of the situation and potential solutions.

15. Trial and Error

The trial and error method involves attempting various solutions until you find one that resolves the problem.

It’s an empirical technique that relies on practical actions instead of theories or rules.

In the context of problem-solving, trial and error allows you the flexibility to test different strategies in real situations, gaining insights about what works and what doesn’t.

16. SWOT Analysis

SWOT is an acronym standing for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

It’s an analytic framework used to evaluate these aspects in relation to a particular objective or problem.

In problem-solving, SWOT Analysis helps you to identify favorable and unfavorable internal and external factors. It helps to craft strategies that make best use of your strengths and opportunities, whilst addressing weaknesses and threats.

Go Deeper: SWOT Analysis Examples

17. Scenario Planning

Scenario planning is a strategic planning method used to make flexible long-term plans.

It involves imagining, and then planning for, multiple likely future scenarios.

By forecasting various directions a problem could take, scenario planning helps manage uncertainty and is an effective tool for problem-solving in volatile conditions.

18. Six Thinking Hats

The Six Thinking Hats is a concept devised by Edward de Bono that proposes six different directions or modes of thinking, symbolized by six different hat colors.

Each hat signifies a different perspective, encouraging you to switch ‘thinking modes’ as you switch hats. This method can help remove bias and broaden perspectives when dealing with a problem.

19. Decision Matrix Analysis

Decision Matrix Analysis is a technique that allows you to weigh different factors when faced with several possible solutions.

After listing down the options and determining the factors of importance, each option is scored based on each factor.

Revealing a clear winner that both serves your objectives and reflects your values, Decision Matrix Analysis grounds your problem-solving process in objectivity and comprehensiveness.

20. Pareto Analysis

Also known as the 80/20 rule, Pareto Analysis is a decision-making technique.

It’s based on the principle that 80% of problems are typically caused by 20% of the causes, making it a handy tool for identifying the most significant issues in a situation.

Using this analysis, you’re likely to direct your problem-solving efforts more effectively, tackling the root causes producing most of the problem’s impact.

21. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyze facts to form a judgment objectively.

It involves logical, disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence.

For problem-solving, critical thinking helps evaluate options and decide the most effective solution. It ensures your decisions are grounded in reason and facts, and not biased or irrational assumptions.

Go Deeper: Critical Thinking Examples

22. Hypothesis Testing

Hypothesis testing usually involves formulating a claim, testing it against actual data, and deciding whether to accept or reject the claim based on the results.

In problem-solving, hypotheses often represent potential solutions. Hypothesis testing provides verification, giving a statistical basis for decision-making and problem resolution.

Usually, this will require research methods and a scientific approach to see whether the hypothesis stands up or not.

Go Deeper: Types of Hypothesis Testing

23. Cost-Benefit Analysis

A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is a systematic process of weighing the pros and cons of different solutions in terms of their potential costs and benefits.

It allows you to measure the positive effects against the negatives and informs your problem-solving strategy.

By using CBA, you can identify which solution offers the greatest benefit for the least cost, significantly improving efficacy and efficiency in your problem-solving process.

Go Deeper: Cost-Benefit Analysis Examples

24. Simulation and Modeling

Simulations and models allow you to create a simplified replica of real-world systems to test outcomes under controlled conditions.

In problem-solving, you can broadly understand potential repercussions of different solutions before implementation.

It offers a cost-effective way to predict the impacts of your decisions, minimizing potential risks associated with various solutions.

25. Delphi Method

The Delphi Method is a structured communication technique used to gather expert opinions.

The method involves a group of experts who respond to questionnaires about a problem. The responses are aggregated and shared with the group, and the process repeats until a consensus is reached.

This method of problem solving can provide a diverse range of insights and solutions, shaped by the wisdom of a collective expert group.

26. Cross-functional Team Collaboration

Cross-functional team collaboration involves individuals from different departments or areas of expertise coming together to solve a common problem or achieve a shared goal.

When you bring diverse skills, knowledge, and perspectives to a problem, it can lead to a more comprehensive and innovative solution.

In problem-solving, this promotes communal thinking and ensures that solutions are inclusive and holistic, with various aspects of the problem being addressed.

27. Benchmarking

Benchmarking involves comparing one’s business processes and performance metrics to the best practices from other companies or industries.

In problem-solving, it allows you to identify gaps in your own processes, determine how others have solved similar problems, and apply those solutions that have proven to be successful.

It also allows you to compare yourself to the best (the benchmark) and assess where you’re not as good.

28. Pros-Cons Lists

A pro-con analysis aids in problem-solving by weighing the advantages (pros) and disadvantages (cons) of various possible solutions.

This simple but powerful tool helps in making a balanced, informed decision.

When confronted with a problem, a pro-con analysis can guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring all possible outcomes and implications are scrutinized before arriving at the optimal solution. Thus, it helps to make the problem-solving process both methodical and comprehensive.

29. 5 Whys Analysis

The 5 Whys Analysis involves repeatedly asking the question ‘why’ (around five times) to peel away the layers of an issue and discover the root cause of a problem.

As a problem-solving technique, it enables you to delve into details that you might otherwise overlook and offers a simple, yet powerful, approach to uncover the origin of a problem.

For example, if your task is to find out why a product isn’t selling your first answer might be: “because customers don’t want it”, then you ask why again – “they don’t want it because it doesn’t solve their problem”, then why again – “because the product is missing a certain feature” … and so on, until you get to the root “why”.

30. Gap Analysis

Gap analysis entails comparing current performance with potential or desired performance.

You’re identifying the ‘gaps’, or the differences, between where you are and where you want to be.

In terms of problem-solving, a Gap Analysis can help identify key areas for improvement and design a roadmap of how to get from the current state to the desired one.

31. Design Thinking

Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves empathy, experimentation, and iteration.

The process focuses on understanding user needs, challenging assumptions , and redefining problems from a user-centric perspective.

In problem-solving, design thinking uncovers innovative solutions that may not have been initially apparent and ensures the solution is tailored to the needs of those affected by the issue.

32. Analogical Thinking

Analogical thinking involves the transfer of information from a particular subject (the analogue or source) to another particular subject (the target).

In problem-solving, you’re drawing parallels between similar situations and applying the problem-solving techniques used in one situation to the other.

Thus, it allows you to apply proven strategies to new, but related problems.

33. Lateral Thinking

Lateral thinking requires looking at a situation or problem from a unique, sometimes abstract, often non-sequential viewpoint.

Unlike traditional logical thinking methods, lateral thinking encourages you to employ creative and out-of-the-box techniques.

In solving problems, this type of thinking boosts ingenuity and drives innovation, often leading to novel and effective solutions.

Go Deeper: Lateral Thinking Examples

34. Flowcharting

Flowcharting is the process of visually mapping a process or procedure.

This form of diagram can show every step of a system, process, or workflow, enabling an easy tracking of the progress.

As a problem-solving tool, flowcharts help identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies in a process, guiding improved strategies and providing clarity on task ownership and process outcomes.

35. Multivoting

Multivoting, or N/3 voting, is a method where participants reduce a large list of ideas to a prioritized shortlist by casting multiple votes.

This voting system elevates the most preferred options for further consideration and decision-making.

As a problem-solving technique, multivoting allows a group to narrow options and focus on the most promising solutions, ensuring more effective and democratic decision-making.

36. Force Field Analysis

Force Field Analysis is a decision-making technique that identifies the forces for and against change when contemplating a decision.

The ‘forces’ represent the differing factors that can drive or hinder change.

In problem-solving, Force Field Analysis allows you to understand the entirety of the context, favoring a balanced view over a one-sided perspective. A comprehensive view of all the forces at play can lead to better-informed problem-solving decisions.

TRIZ, which stands for “The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving,” is a problem-solving, analysis, and forecasting methodology.

It focuses on finding contradictions inherent in a scenario. Then, you work toward eliminating the contraditions through finding innovative solutions.

So, when you’re tackling a problem, TRIZ provides a disciplined, systematic approach that aims for ideal solutions and not just acceptable ones. Using TRIZ, you can leverage patterns of problem-solving that have proven effective in different cases, pivoting them to solve the problem at hand.

38. A3 Problem Solving

A3 Problem Solving, derived from Lean Management, is a structured method that uses a single sheet of A3-sized paper to document knowledge from a problem-solving process.

Named after the international paper size standard of A3 (or 11-inch by 17-inch paper), it succinctly records all key details of the problem-solving process from problem description to the root cause and corrective actions.

Used in problem-solving, this provides a straightforward and logical structure for addressing the problem, facilitating communication between team members, ensuring all critical details are included, and providing a record of decisions made.

39. Scenario Analysis

Scenario Analysis is all about predicting different possible future events depending upon your decision.

To do this, you look at each course of action and try to identify the most likely outcomes or scenarios down the track if you take that course of action.

This technique helps forecast the impacts of various strategies, playing each out to their (logical or potential) end. It’s a good strategy for project managers who need to keep a firm eye on the horizon at all times.

When solving problems, Scenario Analysis assists in preparing for uncertainties, making sure your solution remains viable, regardless of changes in circumstances.

How to Answer “Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills” in an Interview

When asked to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in an interview, the STAR method often proves useful. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Situation: Begin by describing a specific circumstance or challenge you encountered. Make sure to provide enough detail to allow the interviewer a clear understanding. You should select an event that adequately showcases your problem-solving abilities.

For instance, “In my previous role as a project manager, we faced a significant issue when our key supplier abruptly went out of business.”

Task: Explain what your responsibilities were in that situation. This serves to provide context, allowing the interviewer to understand your role and the expectations placed upon you.

For instance, “It was my task to ensure the project remained on track despite this setback. Alternative suppliers needed to be found without sacrificing quality or significantly increasing costs.”

Action: Describe the steps you took to manage the problem. Highlight your problem-solving process. Mention any creative approaches or techniques that you used.

For instance, “I conducted thorough research to identify potential new suppliers. After creating a shortlist, I initiated contact, negotiated terms, assessed samples for quality and made a selection. I also worked closely with the team to re-adjust the project timeline.”

Result: Share the outcomes of your actions. How did the situation end? Did your actions lead to success? It’s particularly effective if you can quantify these results.

For instance, “As a result of my active problem solving, we were able to secure a new supplier whose costs were actually 10% cheaper and whose quality was comparable. We adjusted the project plan and managed to complete the project just two weeks later than originally planned, despite the major vendor setback.”

Remember, when you’re explaining your problem-solving skills to an interviewer, what they’re really interested in is your approach to handling difficulties, your creativity and persistence in seeking a resolution, and your ability to carry your solution through to fruition. Tailoring your story to highlight these aspects will help exemplify your problem-solving prowess.

Go Deeper: STAR Interview Method Examples

Benefits of Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is beneficial for the following reasons (among others):

  • It can help you to overcome challenges, roadblocks, and bottlenecks in your life.
  • It can save a company money.
  • It can help you to achieve clarity in your thinking.
  • It can make procedures more efficient and save time.
  • It can strengthen your decision-making capacities.
  • It can lead to better risk management.

Whether for a job interview or school, problem-solving helps you to become a better thinking, solve your problems more effectively, and achieve your goals. Build up your problem-solving frameworks (I presented over 40 in this piece for you!) and work on applying them in real-life situations.

Chris

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 17 Adversity Examples (And How to Overcome Them)

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Academic Success Center

Qualitative & Quantitative Research Support

  • Boot Camp This link opens in a new window
  • Research Process Flow Chart
  • Research Alignment This link opens in a new window
  • Step 1: Seek Out Evidence
  • Step 2: Explain
  • Step 3: The Big Picture
  • Step 4: Own It
  • Step 5: Illustrate
  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Literature Review This link opens in a new window
  • Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
  • Dissertation and Data Analysis Group Sessions
  • How to Synthesize and Analyze
  • Synthesis and Analysis Practice
  • Synthesis and Analysis Group Sessions
  • NVivo Group and Study Sessions
  • Using Qualtrics
  • Statistical Analysis Group sessions
  • Problem Statement
  • Purpose Statement
  • Quantitative Research Questions
  • Qualitative Research Questions
  • Dissertation to Journal Article This link opens in a new window
  • International Journal of Online Graduate Education (IJOGE) This link opens in a new window
  • Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning (JRIT&L) This link opens in a new window

Jump to DSE Guide

Problem statement overview.

The dissertation problem needs to be very focused because everything else from the dissertation research logically flows from the problem. You may say that the problem statement is the very core of a dissertation research study. If the problem is too big or too vague, it will be difficult to scope out a purpose that is manageable for one person, given the time available to execute and finish the dissertation research study.

Through your research, your aim is to obtain information that helps address a problem so it can be resolved. Note that the researcher does not actually solve the problem themselves by conducting research but provides new knowledge that can be used toward a resolution. Typically, the problem is solved (or partially solved) by practitioners in the field, using input from researchers.

Given the above, the problem statement should do three things:

  • Specify and describe the problem (with appropriate citations)
  • Explain the consequences of NOT solving the problem

Explain the knowledge needed to solve the problem (i.e., what is currently unknown about the problem and its resolution – also referred to as a gap )

What is a problem?

The world is full of problems! Not all problems make good dissertation research problems, however, because they are either too big, complex, or risky for doctorate candidates to solve. A proper research problem can be defined as a specific, evidence-based, real-life issue faced by certain people or organizations that have significant negative implications to the involved parties.

Example of a proper, specific, evidence-based, real-life dissertation research problem:

“Only 6% of CEOs in Fortune 500 companies are women” (Center for Leadership Studies, 2019).

Specific refers to the scope of the problem, which should be sufficiently manageable and focused to address with dissertation research. For example, the problem “terrorism kills thousands of people each year” is probably not specific enough in terms of who gets killed by which terrorists, to work for a doctorate candidate; or “Social media use among call-center employees may be problematic because it could reduce productivity,” which contains speculations about the magnitude of the problem and the possible negative effects.

Evidence-based here means that the problem is well-documented by recent research findings and/or statistics from credible sources. Anecdotal evidence does not qualify in this regard. Quantitative evidence is generally preferred over qualitative ditto when establishing a problem because quantitative evidence (from a credible source) usually reflects generalizable facts, whereas qualitative evidence in the form of research conclusions tend to only apply to the study sample and may not be generalizable to a larger population. Example of a problem that isn’t evidence-based: “Based on the researcher’s experience, the problem is that people don’t accept female leaders;” which is an opinion-based statement based on personal (anecdotal) experience.

Real-life means that a problem exists regardless of whether research is conducted or not. This means that “lack of knowledge” or “lack of research” cannot be used as the problem for a dissertation study because it’s an academic issue or a gap; and not a real-life problem experienced by people or organizations.  Example of a problem that doesn’t exist in real life: “There is not enough research on the reasons why people distrust minority healthcare workers.” This type of statement also reveals the assumption that people actually do mistrust minority healthcare workers; something that needs to be supported by actual, credible evidence to potentially work as an underlying research problem.

What are consequences?

Consequences are negative implications experienced by a group of people or organizations, as a result of the problem. The negative effects should be of a certain magnitude to warrant research. For example, if fewer than 1% of the stakeholders experience a negative consequence of a problem and that consequence only constitutes a minor inconvenience, research is probably not warranted. Negative consequences that can be measured weigh stronger than those that cannot be put on some kind of scale.

In the example above, a significant negative consequence is that women face much larger barriers than men when attempting to get promoted to executive jobs; or are 94% less likely than men to get to that level in Corporate America.

What is a gap?

To establish a complete basis for a dissertation research study, the problem has to be accompanied by a gap . A gap is missing knowledge or insights about a particular issue that contributes to the persistence of the problem. We use gaps to “situate” new research in the existing literature by adding to the knowledge base in the business research field, in a specific manner (determined by the purpose of the research). Identifying gaps requires you to review the literature in a thorough fashion, to establish a complete understanding of what is known and what isn’t known about a certain problem.  In the example from above about the underrepresentation of female CEOs, a gap may be that male-dominated boards have not been studied extensively in terms of their CEO hiring decisions, which might then warrant a study of such boards, to uncover implicit biases and discriminatory practices against female candidates.

How to Write a Problem Statement

How to write a problem statement.

  • Here is one way to construct a problem section (keep in mind you have a 250-300 word limit, but you can write first and edit later):

It is helpful to begin the problem statement with a sentence :  “The problem to be addressed through this study is… ”  Then, fill out the rest of the paragraph with elaboration of that specific problem, making sure to “document” it, as NU reviewers will look for research-based evidence that it is indeed a problem (emphasis also on timeliness of the problem, supported by citations within the last 5 years).

Next, write a paragraph explaining the consequences of NOT solving the problem. Who will be affected? How will they be affected? How important is it to fix the problem? Again, NU reviewers will want to see research-based citations and statistics that indicate the negative implications are significant.

In the final paragraph, you will explain what information (research) is needed in order to fix the problem. This paragraph shows that the problem is worthy of doctoral-level research. What isn’t known about the problem? Ie, what is the gap? Presumably, if your problem and purpose are aligned, your research will try to close or minimize this gap by investigating the problem. Have other researchers investigated the issue? What has their research left unanswered?

  • Another way to tackle the Statement of the Problem:

The Statement of the Problem section is a very clear, concise identification of the problem. It must stay within the template guidelines of 250-300 words but more importantly, must contain four elements as outlined below. A dissertation worthy problem should be able to address all of the following points:

-->identification of the problem itself--what is "going wrong" (Ellis & Levy, 2008)

-->who is affected by the problem

-->the consequences that will result from a continuation of the problem

-->a brief discussion of 1) at least 3 authors’ research related to the problem; and 2)   their stated suggestion/recommendation for further research related to the problem

Use the following to work on the Statement of the Problem by first outlining the section as follows:

1. One clear, concise statement that tells the reader what is not working, what is “going wrong”. Be specific and support it with current studies.

2. Tell who is affected by the problem identified in #1. 

3. Briefly tell what will happen if the problem isn’t addressed.

4. Find at least 3 current studies and write a sentence or two for each study that

i. briefly discusses the author(s)’ work, what they studied, and

ii. state their recommendation for further research about the problem

  • Finally, you can follow this simple 3-part outline when writing the statement of the problem section:

Your problem statement is a short (250-300 words), 3 paragraph section, in which you

  • Explain context and state problem (“the problem is XYZ”), supported by statistics and/or recent research findings
  • Explain the negative consequences of the problem to stakeholders, supported by statistics and/or recent research findings
  • Explain the gap in the literature.

Example of a problem statement that follows the 3-part outline (295 words):

The problem to be addressed by this study is the decline of employee well-being for followers of novice mid-level managers and the corresponding rise in employee turnover faced by business leaders across the financial services industry (Oh et al., 2014).  Low levels of employee well-being are toxic for morale and result in expensive turnover costs, dysfunctional work environments, anemic corporate cultures, and poor customer service (Compdata, 2018; Oh et al., 2014).  According to Ufer (2017), the financial services industry suffers from one of the highest turnover rates among millennial-aged employees in all industries in the developed world, at 18.6% annually.  Starkman (2015) reported that 50% of those surveyed in financial services were not satisfied with a single one of the four key workplace aspects: job, firm, pay or career path. 

Low levels of employee well-being interrupt a financial services’ company’s ability to deliver outstanding customer service in a world increasingly dependent on that commodity (Wladawsky-Berger, 2018).Mid-level managers play an essential role in support of the success of many of top businesses today (Anicich & Hirsh, 2017). 

The current body of literature does not adequately address the well-being issue in the financial services industry from the follower’s perspective (Uhl-Bien, Riggio, Lowe, & Carsten, 2014). Strategic direction flows top-down from senior executives and passes through mid-level leadership to individual contributors at more junior grades.  The mid-level managers’ teams are tasked with the achievement of core tasks and the managers themselves are expected to maintain the workforce’s morale, motivation and welfare (Anicich & Hirsh, 2017).  Unless industry leaders better understand the phenomenon of employee well-being from the follower perspective and its role in positioning employees to provide a premium client experience, they may be handicapped from preserving their most significant principal market differentiator: customer service (Wladawsky-Berger, 2018). 

Was this resource helpful?

  • << Previous: Statistical Analysis Group sessions
  • Next: Purpose Statement >>
  • Last Updated: Feb 5, 2024 9:36 AM
  • URL: https://resources.nu.edu/researchtools

NCU Library Home

Learn more

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

Request a demo

  • For Individuals

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

  • BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

31 examples of problem solving performance review phrases

Understand Yourself Better:

Big 5 Personality Test

Find my Coach

Jump to section

You're doing great

You should think of improving

Tips to improve

Use these practical examples of phrases, sample comments, and templates for your performance review , 360-degree feedback survey, or manager appraisal.

The following examples not only relate to problem-solving but also conflict management , effective solutions, selecting the best alternatives, decision making , problem identification, analyzing effectively, and generally becoming an effective problem-solving strategist. Start using effective performance review questions to help better guide your workforce's development. 

Problem solving appraisal comments: you're doing great

  • You always maintain an effective dialogue with clients when they have technical problems. Being clear and articulate makes sure our customers' faults are attended to promptly.
  • You constantly make sure to look beyond the obvious you never stop at the first answer. You’re really good at exploring alternatives. Well done!
  • Keeping the supervisors and managers informed of status changes and requests is important. You’re really good at communicating the changes to the projects at all times. Keep it up!
  • You stay cool and collected even when things aren’t going according to plan or up in the air. This is a great trait to possess. Well done!
  • You’re excellent at giving an honest and logical analysis. Keep it up! Effectively diagnosing complex problems and reaching sustainable solutions is one of your strong points.
  • Your ability to ability to make complex systems into simple ones is truly a unique skill to possess. Well done!
  • You often identify practical solutions to every roadblock. You’re a real asset to the team! Great job.
  • You always listen actively and attentively to make sure you understand what the exact problem is and you come up with solutions in an effective manner.
  • You have an amazing ability to clearly explain options and solutions effectively and efficiently. Well done!
  • When driving projects, you can shift to other areas comfortably and easily. making sure the project runs smoothly. Great job!

problem-solving-performance-review-phrases-person-at-work-talking-to-boss

Problem solving performance review phrases: you should think of improving

  • You always seem too overwhelmed when faced with multiple problems. Try to think of ways to make problems more manageable so that they can be solved in a timely and effective manner.
  • Avoiding conflicts constantly with people is not a good idea as you will only build up personal frustration and nothing will be done to remedy the situation. Try to face people when there are problems and rectify problems when they occur.
  • Don’t allow demanding customers to rattle your cage too much. If they become too demanding, take a step back, regulate your emotions , and try to make use of online support tools to help you rectify problems these tools can help a lot!
  • It’s necessary that you learn from your past mistakes . You cannot keep making the same mistakes , as this is not beneficial to the company.
  • You tend to ask the same questions over and over again. Try to listen more attentively or take notes when colleagues are answering!
  • Providing multiple solutions in an indirect and creative approach will allow you to be more effective at problem-solving . if you struggle with this typically through viewing the problem in a new and unusual light.
  • You fail to provide staff with the appropriate amount of structure and direction. They must know the direction you wish them to go in to achieve their goals .
  • You need to be able to recognize repetitive trends to solve problems promptly.
  • You tend to have problems troubleshooting even the most basic of questions. As a problem solver and customer support person, it’s imperative that you can answer these questions easily.
  • Read through your training manual and make sure you fully understand it before attempting questions again.

problem-solving-performance-review-phrases-person-talking-at-work

Performance review tips to improve problem solving

  • Try to complain less about problems and come up with solutions to the problems more often. Complaining is not beneficial to progression and innovation.
  • As a problem solver, it’s important to be able to handle multiple priorities under short deadlines.
  • You need to be able to effectively distinguish between the cause and the symptoms of problems to solve them in an efficient and timely manner.
  • Try to anticipate problems in advance before they become major roadblocks down the road.
  • Try to view obstacles as opportunities to learn and thrive at the challenge of solving the problem.
  • Remember to prioritize problems according to their degree of urgency. It's important that you spend the majority of your time on urgent tasks over menial ones.
  • When putting plans into place, stick to them and make sure they are completed.
  • When solving problems, try to allocate appropriate levels of resources when undertaking new projects. It is important to become as efficient and as effective as possible.
  • Try to learn to pace yourself when solving problems to avoid burnout . You’re a great asset to the team and we cannot afford to lose at this point.
  • Meeting regularly with your staff to review results is vital to the problem-solving process.
  • Staff that has regular check-ins understand what it is that is required of them, what they are currently achieving, and areas they may need to improve. Try to hold one-on-one meetings every week.

New call-to-action

Madeline Miles

Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

10 performance review tips to drastically move the needle

25 performance review questions (and how to use them), how a performance review template improves the feedback process, 37 innovation and creativity appraisal comments, 6 surefire ways to reach optimal peak performance, leading for purpose and performance: insights from the collaborative, 18 questions to ask in a performance self-evaluation, agile performance management: how to improve an agile team, 5 tactics for managing managers effectively — and why it matters, similar articles, 10 problem-solving strategies to turn challenges on their head, teamwork skills self-appraisal comments: 40 example phrases, your complete guide to self-assessments (with examples), 30 communication feedback examples, 30 customer service review examples to develop your team, 15 tips for your end-of-year reviews, 8 creative solutions to your most challenging problems, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

  • Platform Overview
  • Integrations
  • Powered by AI
  • BetterUp Lead
  • BetterUp Manage™
  • BetterUp Care™
  • Sales Performance
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Case Studies
  • Why BetterUp?
  • Career Coaching
  • Communication Coaching
  • Life Coaching
  • News and Press
  • Leadership Team
  • Become a BetterUp Coach
  • BetterUp Labs
  • Center for Purpose & Performance
  • What is coaching?
  • Leadership Training
  • Business Coaching
  • Contact Support
  • Contact Sales
  • Privacy Policy
  • Acceptable Use Policy
  • Trust & Security
  • Cookie Preferences

IMAGES

  1. 50 Printable Problem Statement Templates (MS Word) ᐅ TemplateLab

    problem solving statement examples

  2. 50 Printable Problem Statement Templates (MS Word) ᐅ TemplateLab

    problem solving statement examples

  3. How do I write a problem statement? Top tips and examples to help you

    problem solving statement examples

  4. 50 Printable Problem Statement Templates (MS Word) ᐅ TemplateLab

    problem solving statement examples

  5. 4 Steps Problem Solving Template

    problem solving statement examples

  6. The Problem Statement Canvas: A Deep Dive in Problem Definition for

    problem solving statement examples

VIDEO

  1. Problem Statement Explainer Session

  2. Problem

  3. Problem Solving Methods

  4. problem solving

  5. programming for problem solving #if statement ##💯💯💯💯

  6. Statement of the Problem

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Problem Statement (With 3 Examples)

    3 examples of problem statements What are the 5 components of a problem statement? How do you write a problem statement? We've all encountered problems on the job. After all, that's what a lot of work is about. Solving meaningful problems to help improve something.

  2. How To Write a Problem Statement (With an Example)

    The proposed solution: Details of your proposed solution. Why the solution fixes the problem and how it will be implemented: Details of why your solution fixes the problem and how you will implement the solution. Related: What Is a Problem Statement: Definition, How-To and Example When to use a problem statement

  3. How to Write a Problem Statement

    Step 1: Contextualize the problem Step 2: Show why it matters Step 3: Set your aims and objectives Problem statement example Other interesting articles Frequently asked questions about problem statements When should you write a problem statement? There are various situations in which you might have to write a problem statement.

  4. How to write a problem statement: Template and examples

    Examples of realistic problem statements Conclusion In your time as a product manager, it is likely that you and your team will face many different customer pain points, needs, and opportunities.

  5. How to Write a Problem Statement in 5 Steps

    Lindsay Kramer Updated on September 25, 2023 Professionals A problem statement is a summary of a problem its writer hopes to solve. It details the parties affected by the problem, the financial and other costs associated with the issue, and when applicable, the root causes of it. Give your writing extra polish

  6. How to write a problem statement: a step-by-step guide

    For example, you might use a problem statement to: Refine project proposals: Managers write project proposals to solve user issues. Problem statements inform these proposals, shaping their goals, plans, and approaches. Develop your product offering: Many startups build their business model on solving a long-standing problem.

  7. How to Write Problem Statements You'll Actually Use

    How to Write Problem Statements You'll Actually Use | Mural Blog Design thinking How to Write Problem Statements You'll Actually Use Written by David Young — April 20, 2023 You have your project brief in hand, you've met with your client, maybe you've even held a productive discovery session with them.

  8. How to Write an Effective Problem Statement

    For example, arriving at the physician's office and stating, "Doctor, I am experiencing pain in the back of my thigh down to the lower part of my leg! I need you to 'fix' my leg!" It is only after a thoughtful evaluation that the doctor concludes that your problem lies with your sciatic nerve and originates in your lower back.

  9. Problem Statement: What It Is, How to Write + Examples

    In this blog post, we will dive deep into problem statements, explaining what they are, how to write them, and providing real-life examples to guide you. What Is a Problem Statement?

  10. Decoding Problem Statements for Managers: Examples and Free ...

    Posted by Deeksha Sharma on August 9, 2023 Decoding Problem Statements for Managers: Examples and Free Template As a manager, identifying and solving business problems is essential to your role. But where do you start?

  11. Problem Statements by Ex-Mckinsey

    Learn how to develop a clear and effective problem statement for any project or initiative with the 5 Ws and one H, the 5 Ps, and the 5 Cs. Download a free problem statement template and a powerpoint worksheet to guide your problem statement development.

  12. What is a Problem Statement? [with examples]

    Example of Problem Statement in Research Proposal. ... Next, mention the consequences of not solving the problem. You can touch upon who is or will be affected if the problem continues, and how. 3. Conclude with indicating the type of research/information that is needed to solve the problem. Be sure to reference authors who may have suggested ...

  13. 26 Good Examples of Problem Solving (Interview Answers)

    Watch: 26 Good Examples of Problem Solving Examples of Problem Solving Scenarios in the Workplace Correcting a mistake at work, whether it was made by you or someone else Overcoming a delay at work through problem solving and communication Resolving an issue with a difficult or upset customer

  14. 3 Excellent Problem Statement Examples

    3 Excellent Problem Statement Examples A problem statement aims to identify a problem and find a solution. Continue reading for how to write one and examples to base yours on. By...

  15. 26 Best Statement of Problem Examples [How to Write]

    A proper understanding of a project at hand in an organization is crucial to discovering and implementing the solutions. In academic research, a problem statement is a roadmap that contextualizes and helps the researcher understand the significance of their research problem.

  16. How to Write to Problem Statements (Examples Included)

    It includes the proposed solution. It details how the proposed solution will solve the problem and how you will implement it. Five Components of a Problem Statement To write a problem statement, focusing on the five Ws: who, what, when, where, and why or how, can help write an effective problem statement.

  17. What Is a Problem Statement: Definition, How-To and Example

    Related: Problem-Solving Skills: Definitions and Examples. Importance of a problem statement. 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.

  18. 50 Business Problem Statement Examples [+Tips To Write]

    1. A Description Of How Things Should Work First, provide some context that will make it easier to understand the problem by explaining how this process is supposed to function and work. Mention the problem while keeping the end-user in mind. 2. An Overview Of What The Problem Is And Explaining Its Impact

  19. How to Write a Great Problem Statement (with Tips and an Example)

    To help keep your statement focused and accurate, follow the steps below: 1. Begin your statement with the ideal situation. Here you will describe the ideal outcome. Explain how the process should work and what the ideal future of the business or department will look like once the team has resolved the problem at hand.

  20. 4 Examples of Problem Statements

    Problems statements aren't requirements or solution designs. They simply state a problem without making assumptions about solutions. The following are illustrative examples. Business Business problems are stated at the level where they are directly solvable.

  21. Examples Of A Problem Statement

    This example of a problem statement is descriptive, concise and cohesive. Problem statements are essential in both business and education. Whether you're writing a business report or a 5,000-word research essay, a problem statement will help you condense information to make it easier to communicate.

  22. 39 Best Problem-Solving Examples (2024)

    Problem-Solving Examples 1. Divergent Thinking. Divergent thinking refers to the process of coming up with multiple different answers to a single problem.It's the opposite of convergent thinking, which would involve coming up with a singular answer.. The benefit of a divergent thinking approach is that it can help us achieve blue skies thinking - it lets us generate several possible ...

  23. Problem Statement

    Example of a problem statement that follows the 3-part outline (295 words): The problem to be addressed by this study is the decline of employee well-being for followers of novice mid-level managers and the corresponding rise in employee turnover faced by business leaders across the financial services industry (Oh et al., 2014).

  24. 31 examples of problem solving performance review phrases

    The following examples not only relate to problem-solving but also conflict management, effective solutions, selecting the best alternatives, decision making, problem identification, analyzing effectively, and generally becoming an effective problem-solving strategist.