Problem formulation & Problem analysis

The Lawnmover case

1. Background description

2. Purpose

3. Problem formulation

4. Delimitation

5. Choice of model and method, procedure

6. Time schedule /plan

7. Sources, references and literature

Project description

1. Background description

2. Purpose

3. Problem formulation4. Delimitation

5. Choice of model and method, procedure

6. Time schedule /plan

7. Sources, references and literature

Project description

Problem formulationDefining the project goal

Problem formulation

Problem formulation

Conclusion

Empirical studiesTheory

[Andersen, 2003, p.29]

What is a problem?• One or more questions that needs further investigations

– something not fully solved– needs more information/knowledge about– use your own personal curiosity, wonder & astonishment

• You as a group choose your own – main subject – problem formulation– literature & empirical studies– process (Still according to overall framework)

• It is not as easy as it sounds– Use your curiosity and natural wonder– Is the problem exciting (does it turn you on? – and others?)– Ask questions (do not look for answers)– Use different perspectives

Problem formulationCharacteristics

• Interesting – right in bulls eye

• Good argumentation, well structured – A real problem

• Follows up in a logical way from project introduction

• Formulated in a clear, understandable and precise language

• Structured with a main problem/questions and sub questions

• Clear delimitation – activities, choices and perspectives• Remember that the question(s) asked in the problem formulation must be

answered in the conclusion of your report

Use an effective way of lay-out that supports your message

Problem analysisTwo documents, one iterative process

Problem/subjectanalysis

Project description

Problem/Subject analysis

• Before commencing the actual project work, you should carry out a problem analysis. Depending on the scope of the project, this process may be more or less comprehensive.

• In this process the basic concepts should be defined and the differing interpretations as well as the project group’s suggestions to the assignment text should be discussed

• The problem analysis itself is not part of the actual project description, but forms the basis of the description.

• The analysis helps you to broaden your mind or outlook, and in this way the analysis will enable you to do a better job in the problem formulation.

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Often it will be a good idea to ask:

• What is behind the problem• What is the reason for…• Which consequences could it have for…• Why have no one made…• Where can we find…• ….

Problem analysis

Problem analysisWhy analyze?

Problem analysisWhy analyze?

Tarzan Jane

Water

What should Tarzan do in order to get to Jane?

Problem analysisWhy analyze?

Analysis of need and character of the problem

Analysis of persons and parties involved

Analysis of surroundings and market

Analysis of resources, equipment and knowledge

Plan and procedure

Problem analysis5 X 5 model?

Analysing and clarifying the needs and the character of the project assignment

• Identify the starting point of your project –key problem( Use Mind Map, Function tree, etc.)

• Identify the basic need and by that the basic problem

• What has been determined from the start

• What degree of freedom is there

• List all subproblems

Analysis of persons and parties involved

• Who are or should be involved?

A company, users, consumers, you, your supervisor, a producer, ……• What is their role?

Participate, accept, cooperate ….• What do they expect from the project?• What are their needs?• What contribution will each make?• Where are their conflicting interests?

Analysis of surroundings and market

• What are the regulations, national and international standards?• How is the market situation?• How is ”state of the art”?• Has our project and its solution any relation to other systems? If so -

how is the interface? • What about the technology level?

Analysis of resources, equipmentand knowledge

• Do we have the knowledge needed?• Do we have the time needed?• Do we have the manpower needed?• Do we have the technology, material and equipment needed?• Do we have the money needed?• Do we have the other facilities needed?

A Mindmap – a good place to startCreate all issues that may be relevant

A mind map is a diagram technique used to represent words, ideas and tasks linked to a central key word or idea.

Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas.

Characteristics:

GraphicalHierarchical or tree branch. Allows for creativityCombines words & visual representationsNot linear

Less noise pollution

Silencer

MaterialDesign

Cutting system

Why

How

Improve environment

Less pollution Less use of energy

Less air pollution

Slow growing grass Goats

Knife Saw Rotator

Problem analysisFunction Function/means tree

Problem

Why

What

Where

When

How

Who

Problem analysis6Q model

Problem analysisCause effect diagram (Ishikawa)

Cause Effect

Man Machine

Materials Maintenance

Mother Nature

Methods

Main cause

Sub cause

Problem analysisRich pictures

• Developed within the software industry• Used within complex areas with many actors

• Involves:– Structure/actors– Process and relations– Can incorporate world perspectives / “issues” / “concern”

• But main rule: Anything goes on a rich picture

Problem analysisRich pictures

Problem analysisRich pictures

Problem analysisGeri’s game

Lawnmover assignmentTo innovate Ginge Silver 46 B Auto Comfort

What does the mower do? – What does it not?

Identify and improvement of “not so nice factors”?

User oriented features and concerns?

Other interested parties?

Production, service and distribution?

Substitutes of the lawn mover?

Other relevant questions and issues?

Problem analysis

Lawnmower assignment

Ginge Silver 46 B Auto Comfort

More info about the lawnmover & Ginge company @

www.ginge.com

Lawnmover assignmentTaking a few steps towards a PD

1. Background description (obligatory)2. Purpose (obligatory)3. Problem formulation (obligatory)4. Delimitation (obligatory)5. Choice of model and method, procedure (obligatory)6. Time schedule /plan7. Sources, references and literature

Project descriptionBackground description• Description of the background • Explanation of how the problem has arisen• If cooperating with companies

why the company wants the group to work on the topic in question• Under no circumstances you can write that you are a student and therefore

have no choice but to do the project!• Normally ½ - 1 page• How has the problem arisen• Reason for choosing the topic

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• What is the core purpose of the project?• Which results do they expect to achieve?

The purpose is fundamental to the problem

formulation and must be formulated so that it

forms the basis of the further project work

Make it clear and brief.

Normally the purpose can be stated in very few lines.

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Project descriptionPurpose

• What should be included and not the least what will not be included• The delimitation criteria should be accounted for in relation to the problem(s)

chosen to solve• Relevant and well argued. • The problem formulation and the delimitation must be logically linked. • Not allowed just to exclude all the professionally difficult parts of the

problem(s).

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Project descriptionDelimitation

Finance Process Offerings Delivery

Business Model

Networks & alliances

Enabling process

Core processes

Product performance

Product system

Service Channel BrandCustomer

experience

How you make money

How you join forces with other companies for mutual

benefit

How you support the company's

core processes

and workers

How you create

and add value to

your offerings

How you design your

core offerings

How you link and/or provide a

platform for multiple

products.

How you provide value to

customers and

consumers beyond

and around your

products

How you get your offerings to market

How you communicate your offerings

How your customers feel when

they interact with your

company and its offerings

Source & © Doblin Inc

Doblin: Ten Types of Innovation ™

To the next time

• Prepare a powerpoint presentation of the Lawnmover assignment ( one

slide for background, purpose, problem formulation and delimitation)

• Use the guidelines for preparing project reports

• Start thinking about a project or subject (ideas, subjects, specific

requirements)