In my first month at SlideTeam, the marketing manager huddled the entire content team in the meeting room to spend a few hours with the presentation design department to learn to define the problem statement. At first, I thought, “This is such a vague idea… this client is giving us hundreds of dollars, and we don’t even know what we are trying to design!”

 

 

But as we began to debate on the context of the client, the issues they were facing, the reasons why they chose us, I started to acknowledge defining the problem statement and the ability to frame and focus problem-solving. 

 

Now I know why Charles Kettering said, “A problem well stated is a problem half solved.” 

 

The truth of the matter is, every business faces the obvious issue of defining a problem statement. So in this blog, we will help your business identify a vital problem statement and outline a strategy to address the same. But first, let’s understand...

 

The essence and purpose of a problem statement

 

A problem statement is a formal business report designed to describe an issue in the organization. It includes a detailed method to solve the problem and recommend how the stakeholders can prevent its reoccurrence in the future. 

 

You can represent a problem statement by addressing the five W’s and one H, i.e. what, why, when, where, who, and how. Does it give a comprehensive view to the reader identifying what the problem is? Why did it occur? When did it begin? Where did it begin - the site? Who does it affect? How - the sequence of events that are involved?

 

Additionally, it includes a clear solution and acts as a guide/checklist to fulfill the business objectives. Therefore, we encourage you to create a problem statement and verify if the given solution addressed the initial issue efficiently. 

 

But where to start?

 

To help you create an accurate and resourceful problem statement, we have shared these four compelling examples featuring stunning template designs. In these examples, we also covered the dominance of a problem statement in fields other than business. So follow them closely while crafting your draft. In addition, these templates will amp up the contextualization of your blueprint as they are pre-researched and crafted by our team of professional designers. Let’s lay them bare one by one!

1. Problem in business

In a business, it is critical to write a valid and direct problem statement. It should be applied to an informal business proposal as well, like an email. Stick to the W’s & H structure, focusing on the problem and a solution for it. 

 

Example - Remote workers across the organization should communicate with others effortlessly, without getting bogged down in irrelevant details. 

 

Here, the messages get cluttered due to multiple email strings. This increases miscommunication, thereby reducing work productivity. 

 

However, to keep track of all the critical communication and manage it easily, the employees should use an intracompany business communication platform. 

 

Our well-designed templates will surely help you in identifying your business problem statement. Let’s dive in!

Template 1

Use this PowerPoint Presentation containing impressive slides for challenges and solutions to draft a business problem statement. You can highlight the situation, complication, stakeholders, scope, and hypothesis here. The design is easy to edit. Grab it immediately and replace the text with your information.

 

Problem Statement PowerPoint Presentation

 

 

Download This PowerPoint Presentation

Template 2

Select this problem statement template to improve your engineering department process. The template features high-resolution slides that professionals can use to find a unique solution to any problem. Therefore, download it right now!

 

Problem Statement & Solution

 

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Template 3

Create a problem statement for your commercial business proposal with this content-ready template. You can use it to show your business needs by illustrating the urgency, viability, annual benefits, and rank priority. Download now!

 

Problem Statement of Commercial Proposal

 

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Template 4

Highlight the cross-selling problems faced by your business with this creative template. It includes the reasons for the decrease in customer retention and lack of innovation & diversification. Therefore, download it immediately and find a profitable solution. 

 

Problem Statement PPT

 

Download Cross-Selling Strategies Template 

2. A problem in scientific research

While designing a research problem, you can focus on these four parameters — context, issue, relevance, and objective. This statement will work as a claim outlining the problem addressed by a study. Here, the problem will depict the existing gap in the field knowledge, thereby leading to further research. 

 

Example - After working out, a human body loses hydration and electrolytes from sweating. 

 

The issue here is that the person needs to decide how to rehydrate their body and restore the lost electrolytes.

 

The coach/individual must understand that not all drinks are beneficial after exercise. Therefore, they must decide on the drink to be taken during an exercise, sport, or practice. 

 

As a solution, they will have to investigate the electrolyte content found in a sports drink compared to plain coconut water. 

 

You can check out our unique templates to formulate your problem statement strategically. 

Template 1

Create a hypothesis for your research topic with this problem statement template. You can use it to specify the actions required for solving a particular problem. Therefore, download and identify the changes and potential outcomes. 

 

Hypothesis Problem Statement

 

Download Hypothesis PPT Template 

Template 2

Use this template to create a scientific problem statement about the target market and value proposition. The design includes parameters such as target population, statement of the problem, value proposition, and differentiation. Therefore, download and use it to your advantage. 

 

Problem Statement Template Covering Target Customer

 

Download Template Covering Target Customer And Value Proposition

Template 3

Choose this template to represent your research problem by specifying the areas of concern, conditions to improve, difficulties to be eliminated, or troubling questions to be answered. In addition, you can share it with your fellow practitioners to get the most suitable solution. Download it immediately. 

 

Research Problem Statement Covering Purpose Objectives

 

Download Research Problem Statement Template

Template 4

Use this template's question mark and exclamation mark diagram to emphasize the loopholes in the business. It gives you ample space to describe the business challenges and solutions. Download and customize it to solve the issues and align your activities with the goal. 

 

Problem Statement Template

3. Problem statement in engineering

An engineering problem statement includes a negotiation between the engineering and the client/instructor. In this, you should avoid talking about the solution.  Instead, focus on making a vigilant problem statement. Let’s exemplify.

 

Ideal statement - The manufacturing and assembly process of product T is efficient. 

 

However, certain parts need to be transported from one assembly line to another and then physically installed. 

 

Due to this clause, company x is unable to meet its production goals for this year. 

 

But to reduce this manual installation, the company should invest in conveyor belts or mechanical robot arms. This way, the workers can stay at their respective tasks rather than moving back and forth across the assembly line. 

 

To represent your engineering issue, explore these cherry-picked problem statement templates. 

Template 1

Engineers can use this template to solve various problem statements with this exceptional PowerPoint template. Besides, they can share this proposal with various organizations to get a new job. Download now!

 

Problem Statement Presentation

 

Download Problem Statement Management PPT

Template 2

Negotiate a contract between the engineering and client or instructor with this problem statement template. You can use it to solve issues like adequate car parking, manpower, cost, security, and more. So download now without any hassle. 

 

 

Problem Statement PowerPoint Design

 

Download Problem Statement PPT Template

Template 3

Pick this template to develop a problem statement for your business challenges. Also, you can share it with your team members to build strategies for conquering these challenges. Download now!

 

Problem statement PPT Template

 

Download Business Challenges Template

Template 4

Pick this template to describe the sub-issues of your problem statement. You can exhibit the requirement of a new missionary, software, or process. Also, the design can be easily edited. Therefore, download once and use it multiple times. 

 

Problem Statement Description Defining Sub Issues

 

Download Description Defining Sub Issues Template

4. Healthcare problem statement 

Healthcare issues address the gap between the actual and desirable health status or healthcare facilities. Besides, it can identify and summarize a condition, problem, or discrepancy in the quality improvement team. Check out this example to get a better understanding. 

 

Example - The city hospital operates 24 hours and 7 days continuously. Therefore, the patient’s needs should be catered to round the clock.

 

But for the night shift, there are no cardiology technologists assigned. However, this can create a massive issue for the emergency staff. 

 

Due to this, some patients have to wait for more than four hours to get an electrocardiogram from the medical laboratory assistant – a task best suited for cardiology technologists to perform and interpret. 

 

This enforces poor patient care and health outcomes.

 

The solution is that this hospital should assign a permanent cardiology technologist, even if the staff is being called on in an emergency. 

 

State your healthcare issues professionally with these handpicked templates. 

Template 1

Build and maximize the capacities of your health workforce with this problem statement template. You can use it to initiate development by applying the 5 W’s & 1 H method. Download by clicking the link below!

 

Problem Statement Template with 5 W & 1 H

 

Download Template With 5 W And 1 H

Template 2

Create a single-line problem statement for your healthcare business with this invigorating template. This visually appealing design can help you enroll for a pharmacist license. Therefore, download and captivate the audience. 

 

Single Line Problem Statement

 

Download Single Line Template

Template 3

Use this template and explain the purpose, problem statement, solution, and innovation in the healthcare industry. The design includes a table diagram, making it simple to understand. So download now!

 

Problem Statement Description Includes Purpose Definition

 

Download Description PPT Template

Template 4

Interpret a creative solution for boosting your patient’s healthcare with this problem statement template. Besides, you can select it to create a convincing proposal statement. Therefore, download it to share with your prospective investors.

 

Problem Statement Creative PowerPoint Template

 

Download Creative Powerpoint Template

 

Over to you

 

Writing a problem statement is a life skill. When employed correctly, it can put anyone in a virtuous position to solve a concern. You can use our innovative templates to implement a unique problem reframing methodology. These presets will help you identify and collate the user, problem space, and promising opportunities, forming a vivid problem statement. 

 

So try our templates with your problems, and let us know your experience in the comment section below. Get set, go!

 

P.S: You can also examine the fundamental cause of your business problems with our exclusive root cause analysis templates featured in this guide.

 

FAQs on Problem Statement

 

What is a problem statement?

 

A problem statement concisely describes an issue or challenge that needs to be addressed or solved. It typically explains the nature and scope of the problem, its impact, and its significance or importance.

 

A problem statement should clearly define the problem and provide enough information for the reader to understand the issue. It should also provide a sense of urgency or motivation for why the problem needs to be solved. Additionally, it should outline the goals or objectives that the solution should achieve and any constraints or limitations that need to be considered.

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A problem statement is typically included in the introduction section of a research paper or thesis in academic research. In business, a problem statement may define a project, identify customer needs, or guide strategic decision-making.

How to write a problem statement?

Here are some steps to help you write an effective problem statement:

 

  • Identify the problem
  • Describe the current situation
  • Identify the impact of the problem
  • State the objective
  • Provide evidence
  • Limitations or constraints
  • Revise and refine
What are the 3 parts to the problem statement?

The three parts to a problem statement are:

 

The problem itself: This is a clear and concise description of the issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. It should be specific and focused, and clearly articulate the nature and scope of the problem.

 

The context: This provides the background and context for the problem, including any relevant information about the current situation, the history of the problem, and any other relevant factors.

 

The proposed solution: This outlines the proposed solution to the problem, including any goals, objectives, or outcomes that are expected. It should also identify potential challenges or limitations that may impact the solution.