AI Questions PDF

When should you write a problem statement? ------------------------------------------ There are various situations in which you might have to write a problem statement. In the business world, writing a problem statement is often the first step in kicking off an improvement project. In this case, t...

When should you write a problem statement? ------------------------------------------ There are various situations in which you might have to write a problem statement. In the business world, writing a problem statement is often the first step in kicking off an improvement project. In this case, the problem statement is usually a stand-alone document. In academic research, writing a problem statement can help you contextualize and understand the significance of your research problem. It is often several paragraphs long, and serves as the basis for your [research proposal](https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/). Alternatively, it can be condensed into just a few sentences in your [introduction](https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/introduction-structure/). A problem statement looks different depending on whether you're dealing with a practical, real-world problem or a theoretical issue. Regardless, all problem statements follow a similar process. Problem statement example Step 1: Contextualize the problem\ A family-owned shoe manufacturer has been in business in New England for several generations, employing thousands of local workers in a variety of roles, from assembly to supply-chain to customer service and retail. Employee tenure in the past always had an upward trend, with the average employee staying at the company for 10+ years. However, in the past decade, the trend has reversed, with some employees lasting only a few months, and others leaving abruptly after many years. Step 2: Show why it matters\ As the perceived loyalty of their employees has long been a source of pride for the company, they employed an outside consultant firm to see why there was so much turnover. The firm focused on the new hires, concluding that a rival shoe company located in the next town offered higher hourly wages and better "perks", such as pizza parties. They claimed this was what was leading employees to switch. However, to gain a fuller understanding of why the turnover persists even after the consultant study, in-depth qualitative research focused on long-term employees is also needed. Focusing on why established workers leave can help develop a more telling reason why turnover is so high, rather than just due to salaries. It can also potentially identify points of change or conflict in the company's culture that may cause workers to leave. **Step 3: Set your aims and objectives**\ This project aims to better understand why established workers choose to leave the company. Qualitative methods such as surveys and interviews will be conducted comparing the views of those who have worked 10+ years at the company and chose to stay, compared with those who chose to leave.