Structuring Your Problem Statement

In the previous sections, you've explored the critical aspects of identifying, understanding, and recognizing constraints and limitations related to your chosen social problem. Now, in Section 9.4, we will focus on structuring your problem statement effectively. A well-structured problem statement serves as the foundation for developing solutions and driving meaningful change.

Before diving into the specifics of structuring a problem statement, it's essential to understand why a well-structured problem statement is crucial.

❓ Discussion: Why do you think it is important to have a well-structured problem statement? Share your answer in the Padlet below.

A problem statement provides a clear and concise description of the problem, guiding problem solvers in the development of solutions. It ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page, understanding the problem's nature and scope, which is essential for effective collaboration. A well-structured problem statement also helps in narrowing down the problem's focus, making it more manageable.

Imagine how frustrating it will be for a problem solver if there is no sense of focus and thorough understanding of the problem of interest.

Structuring a Problem Statement

Just like you learned in Section 9.1, a well-structured problem statement provides clarity and direction for your problem-solving efforts.

📺 Watch the videos below to learn how to structure your problem statement effectively.

From the videos, we learned that a problem statement is essentially a concise, clear, and concrete summary of the research problem you aim to address. It should be structured in a way that is straightforward, easy to read, and quickly convey what the problem is, why it's worth researching, and how you intend to approach it.

A problem statement should be structured in such a way that it covers four key areas (addresses these questions)

1. What Do We Know About the Problem: Demonstrating a thorough literature review and an understanding of the current state of knowledge.
2. What We Don't Know About the Problem: Highlighting research gaps and the contributions your study will make.
3. Why Do We Need to Know What We Don't Know: Emphasizing the significance and relevance of your study.
4. How Do We Want to Know It: Briefly outlining your research methodology and methods.

To further illustrate the concept of structuring problem statements effectively, let's examine real-world examples of well-structured problem statements from various fields, such as healthcare, education, and computer science.

Examples of Problem Statements

By applying the structure we just learned in the last two videos, we can write a well-structured problem statement. See the examples below;

Problem Statement 1: Telehealth Solutions for Rural Healthcare Access in Africa

What Do We Know About the Problem: Rural healthcare access remains a significant challenge in many African regions, with limited access to medical facilities and healthcare professionals. This issue has been documented in numerous healthcare reports.

What We Don't Know About the Problem: While the lack of healthcare access in rural areas is well-established, there's a need for innovative projects that directly address this problem. Initiatives that leverage telehealth solutions to provide remote medical consultations and healthcare information to rural populations are underexplored.

Why Do We Need to Implement What We Don't Know: Implementing telehealth solutions for rural healthcare access in Africa is essential for improving healthcare outcomes and reducing health disparities. Projects in this area will directly impact the health and well-being of underserved rural populations.

How Do We Want to Implement It: The project will focus on developing a telehealth platform accessible via smartphones, designed to connect rural communities with healthcare professionals through video consultations. Additionally, the project will provide healthcare education and resources via mobile apps to empower individuals to take charge of their health. Collaborations with local healthcare providers and NGOs will ensure the successful implementation of these telehealth solutions.

Problem Statement 2: Strengthening Cybersecurity in African Businesses

What Do We Know About the Problem: There's a growing threat of cyberattacks targeting businesses in Africa, which often exploit vulnerabilities in software and systems. These attacks lead to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage, as highlighted in various reports.

What We Don't Know About the Problem: While the cybersecurity challenge is recognized, there's a gap in practical projects that address this issue for African businesses. Specifically, there's a need for initiatives that enhance the cybersecurity posture of businesses, considering resource constraints and the unique threat landscape in African countries.

Why Do We Need to Implement What We Don't Know: Strengthening cybersecurity in African businesses is essential for safeguarding sensitive data, promoting economic growth, and building trust in digital transactions. Implementing projects in this area will directly protect businesses and support the continent's digital transformation.

How Do We Want to Implement It: We propose a project that involves providing cybersecurity assessments and training to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. This project will focus on identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and educating employees about cybersecurity best practices, thereby enhancing the overall cybersecurity resilience of African businesses.

Problem Statement 3: Creating Accessible Digital Learning Environments for African Students

What Do We Know About the Project: Many African students face barriers to accessing digital learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities. Research and reports have highlighted this issue and the impact of the digital divide on students' academic progress.

What We Don't Know About the Project: While the digital divide is a known problem, there's a need for practical projects that provide accessible digital learning environments for African students. Initiatives that focus on delivering affordable devices, internet connectivity, and localized educational content remain underexplored.

Why Do We Need to Implement What We Don't Know: Creating accessible digital learning environments is vital for ensuring that all African students have equal opportunities for quality education. Implementing projects in this area will directly support students' learning and educational outcomes.

How Do We Want to Implement It: We propose a project that aims to provide students in underserved communities with affordable tablet devices preloaded with educational content relevant to their curriculum. Additionally, we will collaborate with local internet service providers to offer subsidized internet connectivity for students. This project will create accessible digital learning environments and promote educational equity among African students.

Another way to structure your problem statement is to ensure that it includes all of the relevant components. See the examples below.

Project 4: Enhancing Digital Financial Inclusion in African Communities

Problem Definition: The challenge involves addressing the existing limited access to formal banking and financial services in many African communities, particularly those in rural areas.

Scope and Boundaries: This project will focus on the development and implementation of a mobile banking application tailored to African communities. It aims to provide access to basic banking services, facilitate digital payments, and offer financial education resources.

Context: The problem is influenced by factors such as geographical remoteness, limited infrastructure, and disparities in digital literacy levels among the population.

Impact and Significance: The limited financial inclusion restricts economic opportunities, perpetuates poverty, and hinders financial transactions and savings for underserved individuals and communities.

Stakeholders: Key stakeholders include underserved individuals and communities in African rural areas, local banking institutions, regulatory bodies, and community organizations.

Constraints and Limitations: This project must address constraints such as limited rural internet access, regulatory considerations, and the need for widespread adoption of the mobile banking application among the target population.

The problem statement can also be written without the bullet points in a personalized manner like this:

The challenge that drives my project is the pervasive lack of access to formal banking and financial services in numerous African communities, especially those situated in remote rural areas. My project is dedicated to the creation and implementation of a tailored mobile banking application designed specifically for the unique needs and circumstances of African communities. The primary objectives of this application are to grant individuals access to essential banking services, streamline digital payment processes, and offer comprehensive financial education resources. This challenge is deeply influenced by the geographical remoteness of these communities, which often hinders access to traditional banking infrastructure. Additionally, disparities in digital literacy levels across the population further compound the problem. The limited financial inclusion in these areas acts as a significant barrier, obstructing economic opportunities and perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Moreover, it hampers the ability of underserved individuals and communities to engage in secure financial transactions and savings. The success of my project hinges on the collaboration and engagement of key stakeholders, including the underserved individuals and communities residing in African rural areas who will benefit from improved financial access. Additionally, local banking institutions, regulatory bodies, and community organizations will play pivotal roles in this endeavor. To effectively address this issue, my project must navigate numerous challenges, such as limited rural internet access, regulatory considerations that vary across regions, and the necessity of ensuring widespread adoption of the mobile banking application among the target population.

A problem statement can also be written in simple language, as shown below:

I want to help people in African communities, especially in rural areas, who don't have easy access to banks or financial services. I'm working on making a special mobile banking app for them. This app will let them do basic banking stuff, like sending money and paying bills using their phones. It will also teach them about money. This problem is mainly because these places are far away from cities, and not everyone knows how to use digital technology. It keeps people poor and makes it hard for them to use money safely. People who care about this are the folks in these rural areas, the banks, the government, and some groups trying to help. But we face challenges like slow internet in these areas, rules that are different in different places, and making sure everyone in these communities can use the app.

These three variations of the problem statement on enhancing digital financial inclusion in Africa all have the same key components.

🤔 Can you identify these key components?

In this section, we've explored the significance of a well-structured problem statement and the key components that make it effective. A carefully structured problem statement is a critical tool for problem solvers, serving as a roadmap for designing solutions that address the root causes of social issues.

🪞 Reflection: Reflect on the importance of a well-structured problem statement. How do you think a clear and concise problem statement can impact the success of a project or initiative aimed at solving a social issue? Share your answers in the Padlet below.

Lesson 9 has brought us a long way in understanding how to characterize a problem statement effectively. We've learned about the importance of defining the problem clearly, setting boundaries, considering context, understanding its impact, identifying stakeholders, and recognizing constraints.

As we wrap up this lesson, remember that the ability to craft a precise and well-structured problem statement is a valuable skill, not just in this course but in your future endeavors. In the final week of this course, you will have the opportunity to apply all that you've learned and craft your own problem statement. You will also receive guidance and feedback to help you refine it. This statement will serve as the foundation for any project or initiative you undertake in your academic and professional journey.

So, stay engaged, keep practicing, and get ready to put your problem characterization skills to the test. Your ability to define and understand a problem effectively is a key step toward finding innovative and impactful solutions.