Problem Statement

Apr 04, 2023

Problem statements are a brief description of the issue or a problem in a project or research that is in need of addressing. This describes the present condition, the result to be achieved, and the description of any gaps between them.

Problem Statement Definition & Meaning

Problem statements are concise explanations of a situation or condition that needs to be researched and improved in a project and clarify its goals.

It also serves as a communication tool that helps in ensuring that every team member involved in the project is informed about the problem, how it should be solved, and how important the project is.

What Is a Problem Statement?

A problem statement is one of the first things that a potential client would like to know. It clearly explains to them the current problem, its need for research and improvement, and how the team intends to execute it. Composing a problem statement needs to include an effective and understandable description of the issue which would make the research or project easy to comprehend and relatable.

10 Types of Problem Statements

Technical Problem Statement

A technical problem statement is a paper that briefly explains how and when a problem occurs. It includes the type of machine or equipment used, the description of the issue, its risks, and how employees or team members should solve the problem. They can also explain the benefits of their proposed solution and conclude by summarizing the problem and their solution.

Project Problem Statement

Project problem statements covey the unwanted differences between the present state of a project and its preferable result. It includes a description of the proper workflow of the project, a short explanation of the problem, its financial costs, and the proposed solution. Providing a concise and simple project problem statement, the clearer the result.

Research Problem Statement

A research problem statement refers to the presentation of a critical issue in research that needs addressing and studying. It explains the gap in knowledge of a study and its desired result or outcomes. It aims to bridge this gap while providing opportunities for further research and investigations.

Product Problem Statement

The product problem statement contains the definition of the problem that a business or company is currently facing and the solution its staff is proposing. It briefly explains the reports and investigations conducted by the company to gain detailed information on the issue. It also has the business’ understanding of the problem and its way on how to ensure that other people also have the same understanding.

UX Problem Statement

A UX problem statement is a summary of the issue an individual is seeking to solve with their design. This summary includes the definition of their user, their goals, and what is needed to solve to achieve these goals. By providing a UX design statement problem statement, teams can focus on addressing the user problem and provide them with a clear objective.

Customer Problem Statement

A customer problem statement is an outline of the problem that a customer is currently facing. This type of problem statement enables the client to figure out how their offerings will solve their customer’s problems for them. This paper is written so teams can focus on the issue, track them during the entire process, and certify that the team was able to deliver the proper solution.

Business Problem Statement

The business problem statement enables companies to effectively analyze their problem and provide creative and innovative solutions to solve them. This also helps them to systematically and objectively approach this problem with the use of proper measures. A business problem statement is also used as a communication tool to efficiently visualize and minimize the gap between the desired and the actual outcome.

Six Sigma Problem Statement

Six Sigma problem statement has a concise format and specific explanation that addresses the gap between the actual and target results based on facts. It includes the exact location where the issue occurred and what was done to solve it. It also includes details on the financial impact on the organization.

Design Problem Statement

A design problem statement is a part of a product design’s introduction that serves as a tool to contemplate options and estimate its success. A well-written problem statement will provide an opportunity for creativity while giving visibility to each element of a project. It contains the description of who experiences the problem, how they are handling it, where it happens, and the importance of solving this problem.

Simple Problem Statement

A simple problem statement is a clear definition of the gap between an individual’s desired results and the current state of their situation. This paper explains the problem using easy-to-understand methods on the initial read. It also has a description of the proposed solutions as well as their benefits.

Problem Statement Uses, Purpose, Importance

Problem statements are an important part of a project’s improvement because it provides clarity on its objectives while outlining its scope. Writing this statement also guides team members’ decision-making and their execution of activities related to the project. This also enables them to understand and be informed of their project’s current state and how they should handle it.

Introduces Readers to the Importance of the Project

Problem statements are written in a concise manner that describes the current state of a project, specifically the problems it is facing. This enables team members to be informed of the importance of why they have to deal with and solve the problem. By proper handling of the issue, team members can observe improvement in their project management.

Provides Context to the Problem

Problems can also be given context by defining the limitations of how and what an investigation should cover. Problem statements should contain information on where and when the issue occurred and who was affected. It should also include the efforts made to handle and solve the issue.

Describes the Issue Accurately

A well-written problem statement gets a lot of people to participate in completing projects and getting a project owner involved in the operation. It defines the current situation in simple but professional terms and explains its financial costs. It also includes recommendations for a solution for an effective approach to the problem.

Presents the Relevance of the Project

Writing a problem statement should also explain the importance of solving a problem within a project. By identifying its relevance, staff and other members involved will be guided on how to properly handle the current situation. They can also understand the possible effect and impacts if the problem is not solved effectively.

Provides Structure on Reporting

Problem statements are a short accurate description of a problem, including details on how and when it happened. It provides an efficient way of how to report its details which readers can easily understand. They will also understand the proposal of these solutions and methods for solving the problem at hand.

What’s in a Problem Statement? Parts?

Description of the Problem

This part briefly describes the current problem which includes the analysis of the issue to be addressed or improved.

Description of the Ideal Situation

This outlines the ideal situation of the project if a problem did not exist as well as describes a company’s goals and the scope of their project.

Description of the gaps at present

This part is written with the fundamental truth which should highlight the negative aspects while explaining how the current issue fails to reach a goal.

Consequences Section

Problem statements include the Consequences Section which describes why a problem or issue should be addressed and improved to get closer to the ideal situation.

Proposed Solutions

This part of the problem statement explains the possible solutions which team members provide after approving the ideal, fact, and implications of each proposed solution.

How to Design a Problem Statement

1. Choose a Problem Statement Size.

2. Decide on the purpose of the problem statement.

3. Select a Problem Statement Template.

4. Add your business logo, icon, or graphics if you have one.

5. Modify contents by providing information based on the project’s issue or problem.

6. Choose to add a section to explain the benefits of the proposed solutions.

7. Finalize each section and print the problem statement.

Problem Statement vs. Mission Statement

Problem statements keep people interested in a project by accurately and briefly describing the issue they are providing and the corresponding solution they will take.

Mission statements are short explanations of an organization’s line of business, the purpose for operating, and the reason for existing.

What’s The Difference Between Problem Statement, Agreement, and Contract?

Problem statements briefly explain the problem within a project that team members are facing, its possible impact, and a description of its solutions.

An agreement is a state or act of coming to mutual approval of what to and what not to do which is usually arranged by two or more parties.

Contracts are written or spoken agreements between two parties that create mutual commitment enforceable by the law.

Problem Statement Sizes

A problem statement can be printed on multiple paper sizes that businesses or organizations can use. The three most common problem statement sizes include the US Letter, US Legal, and A4 sizes.

• US Letter (8.5 × 11 in)
• US Legal (8.5 × 14 in)
• A4 (8.3 × 11.7 in)

Problem Statement Ideas & Examples

Problem statements are used as a communication tool so that team members can work in the same direction and be guided on how to effectively and efficiently handle current problems that their project is facing. There are various problem statement ideas and examples that you can use as references.

• Problem Statement Ideas and Examples
• Problem Statement Ideas and Examples
• Problem Statement Ideas and Examples
• Problem Statement Ideas and Examples
• Problem Statement Ideas and Examples
• Problem Statement Ideas and Examples
• Problem Statement Ideas and Examples
• Problem Statement Ideas and Examples
• Problem Statement Ideas and Examples
• Problem Statement Ideas and Examples
• Problem Statement Ideas and Examples

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