A problem statement template is a document that contains a short description of a problem that requires addressing or a condition that requires improvement. Making this document enables you to determine the gap between the current state and the problem.
The problem statement also allow you to identify the desired state or the goal of a product or a process. Moreover, this document pays attention to the facts. The design of all problem statement examples addresses the 5W’s i.e. who, what, where, when, and why.
Table of Contents
What is a problem statement?
At first, you have to understand the problem that you are trying to solve. A statement of problem is the best way to do this. A problem statement is all about a certain area of concern and a condition that requires improvement. This statement focusses on a problem that requires elimination or a troubling query that needs deliberate investigation and meaningful understanding.
The problem statement is used by the organizations and businesses to execute projects that involve process improvement. This document should highlight the gap among the current performance level and the desired performance level. It should include relative or absolute measures of the problem to quantify the gap. However, it should contain expected solutions or causes.
The purpose of making a problem statement:
The main purpose of making this document is to convert a generalized problem into a well-defined problem that you can pay attention too. You can start resolving the issue after drafting the documenting through research and some well-thought-out decision-making.
Writing a statement of problem assists you in building the purpose of a research project clearly. For the first part of the final proposal that you make, this document can act as your basis. Therefore, it can help you in directing the reader’s attention to the issue that the project you’re proposing will deal with. This fairly document just require a single page to include all relevant information.
How to write a problem statement template?
Here are some steps that you should consider while composing the document;
Consider your vision
You should think about your vision if you want to make a decision on what to do to solve the problem. Think about the advantages that may come out after solving the problem. You should take some time to write your vision precisely.
Write down the issue statement
You can use a sentence or two to explain the issue. Mention the issues instead of making a statement without a solution. The issue statement would describe the issue and why it is essential to find a solution to it.
For solving the problem, plan your method
When you have determined the problem, the next thing you have to do is to plan the method for solving it. This is one of the most essential parts of the document as it would allow you to see in problem statement examples. You will describe the steps through the method that you plan to take to solve the issue at hand.
The 5W’s
An effective problem statement should answer the following 5W’s;
- Who: it should describe the certain individuals, groups or organizations that the problem affects.
- What: it should explain the problem’s boundaries, the problem itself, and the effect it has. Also, it should describe what would happen in case the problem gets solved or what would happen in case you can’t find a solution.
- When: it should indicate when the issue began and when you require to solve it.
- Where: it should specify where the problem occur either it’s just in a specific location or in different areas.
- Why: it should speak about the significance of solving the issue and how solving the problem affects everyone and everything involved in it.
Answering these questions would help you zero in on the issue at hand. So, the issue in your problem statement should be completely solvable.
How to polish your problem statement template?
Here are some pointers to guide you;
- Examine all of the sentences closely when you go through the content of the document. Omit the sentence that doesn’t contribute to the goals of the document directly. Also, when composing your sentences, make sure that you only use clear and direct language.
- You don’t have to add your own “flavor” or personal commentary while writing this document. This is because it may unnecessarily lengthen the document.
- During wiring your problem statement document, keep your audience in mind. In addition to this, bear in mind that you aren’t creating this document for yourself, other people will read the document.
- Don’t use technical jargon that people might not understand. In case, you want to use these terms, then ensure to define them briefly. In this way, you can help your audience in understanding the message you want to deliver.
- However, you may consider using such jargon if you know that you’re writing for people who have vast technical knowledge of the subject.
- Make your document as defined and as narrow as possible. The best problem statements don’t ramble on or talk too much about unnecessary things. Instead of this, they pay attention to a single problem that’s easy to determine and has a real solution.
- As a rule of thumb, you should only make this document regarding the problem that you can solve without any confusion.
- Before composing your problem statement, you can try completing the content of your proposal first in case you want to maintain the scope of your problem statement.
- You should always keep 5W’s in mind. Your document should contain as much information as possible. But, all information is precise and direct.
- Before printing your document, proofread it first. In any official documents, this is an important step.
The features of a problem statement:
The main features of a problem statement are;
- The problem: explain the problem you are presenting in detail and give a reason why it should be resolved.
- The proposed solution: describe your proposed solution.
- How the solution to a problem will be implemented: state why your solution resolves the problem and how it will be implemented.
What are the benefits of having a well-defined problem statement?
Let us discuss the benefits of having a well-defined problem statement;
You can see the problem from the customer’s perspective
Usually, the problem statement is written according to the customer’s point of view. It states the problems that customers are facing as they are using your product. It doesn’t matter what type of products they are using, it might be possible they are facing a problem with your product on the basis of what they are at that moment.
You can understand the job that the customer is trying to do with your product
You get an opportunity to understand the job that your customers are trying to complete by using your product. Using the functions and features of your product is the only way that they can complete the thing.
Your team will have a unique understanding of the problems that the customers are facing by understanding the job that they are trying to achieve with the product.
To solve a real problem, you can keep your team focused on delivering a real solution
Your team focuses on the actual pain point by understanding both the role and job that the customer is trying to achieve. Also, they translate this focus into a viable solution. This assists the team in avoiding the build trap.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a problem statement template is a document that provides you a clearer look of the whole method you can use to solve a problem. Making such a document benefit a lot no matter in which field or industry you’re in.
one sentence problem statement
problem statement template word
problem statement template
how to write a problem statement science
writing the problem statement and research questions
problem statement requirements
developing a problem statement
business problem statement template
research problem statement template
development of problem statement
issue statement example
a sample research proposal with comments
FAQ’s:
Why should you make a problem statement?
A problem statement plays an important role in the process of solving real-world problems. You get a greater understanding of context by carefully considering the problems your customers are facing. You can gather and organize your feedback into clear categories when you make a problem statement.
Can we state a problem statement as a question?
Make sure that a problem statement is a declarative statement that explains the problem customers are facing. You should use the questions during a brainstorming session rather than posing a question as a problem statement.
You May also Like
100% Free Printable Wedding Budget Templates (Excel / PDF)
Free Pre-Employment Background Check Authorization Form (PDF)- Free Time Card Template Excel & Word [Daily, Weekly, Monthly]
- Free Land Contract Templates & Forms (Word)
Compare Two Excel Spreadsheets For Differences
Metric Conversion Chart Template (Excel, Word, PDF)
![Free Time Card Template Excel & Word [Daily, Weekly, Monthly]](https://exceltmp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/employee-time-card-template-150x150.jpg)
