10/17/11 - L7a The Problem Statement Copyright Joanne DeGroat, ECE, OSU1 The problem statement

10/17/11 - L7a The Problem Statement Copyright Joanne DeGroat, ECE, OSU2 The Problem Statement  What is a problem statement  What should be part of a problem statement

What is a problem statement  When pursuing a development project it is always done to solve a problem.  But what problem? The problem statement – ref: wikipedia.com 10/17/11 - L7a The Problem Statement Copyright Joanne DeGroat, ECE, OSU3 A good problem statement should answer these questions: *What is the problem? This should explain why the team is needed. *Who has the problem or who is the client/customer? This should explain who needs the solution and who will decide the problem has been solved. *What form can the resolution be? What is the scope and limitations (in time, money, resources, technologies) that can be used to solve the problem? Does the client want a white paper? A web-tool? A new feature for a product? A brainstorming on a topic? white paperbrainstorming

What to put in a problem statement  A concise wording of the problem to be tackled.  Who is/are the customer(s), what is the clients need?  What are the assumptions being made?  What are the limitations?  What are the engineering standards that impact the project? 10/17/11 - L7a The Problem Statement Copyright Joanne DeGroat, ECE, OSU4

A definition  The primary purpose of a problem statement is to focus the attention of the problem solving team  However, if the focus of the problem is too narrow or the scope of the solution too limited the creativity and innovation of the solution can be stifling  It should answer the following question: “What is the problem that the research/solution will address?”  Ref: Wikipedia 10/17/11 - L7a The Problem Statement Copyright Joanne DeGroat, ECE, OSU5

For the problem you are working  Create a 1 to 2 page problem statement document.  This will be part of chapter 1 of your proposal 10/17/11 - L7a The Problem Statement Copyright Joanne DeGroat, ECE, OSU6

Next week  More on the proposal  Specifics on the Chapters Chapter 1  The problem statement – from the sponsor – your rewording of the statement  Scope of the statement/solution  Assumptions made and limitations on the solution  Standards involved and that will be used in the solution. 10/17/11 - L7a The Problem Statement Copyright Joanne DeGroat, ECE, OSU7