1 of 30

Welcome! We will be starting soon.

While you wait, post in the chat:

Describe your Eng4Dev experience in one emoji.

​

​

​

​

​

Eng4Dev - Class 9

2 of 30

Class 9 - Defining Your Problem Statement

December 4th, 2023

​

​

​

​

​

Eng4Dev - Class 9

3 of 30

Your Mission

Finalizing Problem Statement and Reflective Practice

Intro to Social Entrepreneurship and Development Challenges

1

2

Sustainable Development and the SDGs

10

3

Evaluating Existing Solutions & Tech Innovation for Development

4

5

6

7

8

9

Systems Thinking and Complexity in Development

Problem Identification

Problem Analysis I

Problem Analysis II(SDG 6 Applications)

Problem Analysis III (SDG 7 Applications)

Characterizing Your Problem Statement

Course Structure

4 of 30

01

02

Today’s Plan

03

04

05

06

Icebreaker Activity

Elements of a Strong Problem Statement

Group Activity: Crafting Problem Statements

Debrief

Structuring your Problem Statement

Closing Notices/ End of Class Survey

4

Eng4Dev - Class 9

5 of 30

Icebreaker Activity

5

Eng4Dev - Class 9

6 of 30

Icebreaker Activity

6

Which of the Eng4Dev classes did you like the most and why?

(Share on Padlet)

Scan code to join Padlet

Eng4Dev - Class 9

7 of 30

Elements of a Problem Statement

7

Eng4Dev - Class 9

8 of 30

Watch this video and identify the elements of a problem statement

Eng4Dev - Class 9

9 of 30

What are the elements of a well crafted problem statement?

9

“

Eng4Dev - Class 9

10 of 30

“A problem statement is a clear and concise description of a problem or issue that needs to be addressed. It should be well-defined and specific, and it should identify the gap between the current situation and the desired outcome.”

10

Source: Questionpro.com

“

Eng4Dev - Class 9

11 of 30

Elements of a Strong Problem Statement

11

  • Identifying the Current Pain: A great problem statement should clearly articulate what the current pain point or issue is. This helps all stakeholders understand the specific problem that the project aims to address.
  • Outlining Consequences: Understanding the consequences of the problem is vital. A comprehensive problem statement should highlight the potential repercussions, both short-term and long-term, of not addressing the issue promptly.
  • Providing Background: It should include background information about the issue can help stakeholders grasp the historical context and the factors that have contributed to the problem's emergence.

Source: https://aloa.co/startup-glossary/terms/problem-statement

Eng4Dev - Class 9

12 of 30

Qualities of a Strong Problem Statement

12

  • Clarity
  • Conciseness
  • Relevance
  • Importance
  • Impact

Source: https://aloa.co/startup-glossary/terms/problem-statement

Eng4Dev - Class 9

13 of 30

Structuring Your Problem Statement

13

Eng4Dev - Class 9

14 of 30

Pulse Check!

A problem statement is a _________________

​

It should identify the gap between the___________ and the ______________.”

​

​

​

14

is a clear and concise description of a problem

current situation

desired outcome

Eng4Dev - Class 9

15 of 30

So how should you structure your problem statement?

Eng4Dev - Class 9

16 of 30

TEMPLATE 1

Problem Statement = Context+Challenge+Impact (Consequences) +Stakeholders+Desired Outcomes

16

Where:

  • Context: Background information providing the setting or circumstances in which the problem exists.
  • Challenge: The specific issue or obstacle that needs to be addressed.
  • Impact/Consequences: The effects or repercussions of the problem on individuals, processes, or goals.
  • Stakeholders: Identifying the individuals, groups, or entities affected by the problem or involved in its resolution.
  • Desired Outcomes: Clear objectives or goals expected from solving the problem.

Eng4Dev - Class 9

17 of 30

Problem Statement = Context+Challenge+Impact (Consequences) +Stakeholders+Desired Outcomes

17

Sample Problem Statement:

Rural communities in Region X, Africa, grapple with limited access to reliable electricity, hindering basic needs, economic development, and technological progress. Establishing a sustainable and affordable electricity infrastructure within the next five years is crucial to address this issue, necessitating collaboration among stakeholders, including local leaders, government agencies, NGOs, energy providers, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and rural residents. Our aim is to implement reliable and scalable electricity access within five years, uplifting lives, empowering education and healthcare, driving local economies, and fostering innovation across the region.

Eng4Dev - Class 9

18 of 30

TEMPLATE 2

Problem Statement = Context+Problem + Impact or Importance + Scope + Stakeholders + Objective.

18

Context: This provides background information about the issue, including the situation or environment where the problem exists.

The Problem: A clear and specific description of the problem itself. This should highlight what is not working, what needs improvement, or what challenge needs to be overcome.

Impact or Importance: Describing why solving this problem is important. It may include the consequences or effects of not addressing the problem.

Scope: Setting the boundaries or limits of the problem. This defines what aspects or areas the problem statement covers.

Stakeholders: Identifying the individuals, groups, or entities affected by the problem or involved in its resolution.

Objectives: Specific goals or outcomes expected from solving the problem. These objectives should be measurable and achievable.

Eng4Dev - Class 9

19 of 30

Sample Problem Statement

19

In a rapidly urbanizing city, the insufficient public transportation system (context) leads to overcrowding, long waiting times, and inadequate access for commuters (problem), significantly impacting daily mobility, productivity, and environmental sustainability (impact or importance). The scope of this challenge involves revamping the existing public transportation infrastructure to accommodate increased demand and provide efficient, accessible, and eco-friendly transit options across the metropolitan area (scope). Stakeholders including transportation authorities, urban planners, local government, commuters, environmental organizations, and private sector entities must collaborate (stakeholders) to implement a comprehensive, sustainable public transportation system (objective)."

Eng4Dev - Class 9

20 of 30

Other Templates For Structuring Problem Statement

Several templates can be used to structure a problem statement effectively. Here are a few examples:

​

Context, Challenge, Consequences, Desired Outcome (CCDO): This is a straightforward and versatile template that can be used for a wide range of problem statements.

​

STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result): This template is particularly useful for problem statements that require a detailed plan of action.

​

Problem-Solution-Benefits (PSB): emphasizes the advantages of a proposed solution and is suitable for problem statements with clear solutions.

​

Goal-Barriers-Strategies (GBS): focuses on overcoming obstacles and achieving the desired outcome, making it suitable for complex problems.

20

Eng4Dev - Class 9

21 of 30

Group Activity: Crafting Problem Statement

21

Eng4Dev - Class 9

22 of 30

Group Activity: Crafting Problem Statement

22

In your groups you are to follow the instructions below to craft a problem statement.

​

Step 1: Carefully read through your assigned group case study of an energy challenge.

(See Group Activity Instructions Doc)

​

Step 2: Apply problem statement template and craft a problem statement for the problem in the case study.

​

​

Step 3: Share your statement on Padlet

​

​

Eng4Dev - Class 9

23 of 30

23

Group Shareback in Padlet

Share statement in Padlet

Eng4Dev - Class 9

24 of 30

24

Debrief

1- 2 Groups Shareback

Eng4Dev - Class 9

25 of 30

Eng4Dev - Class 9

26 of 30

Eng4Dev - Class 9

27 of 30

End of course Survey

27

Eng4Dev - Class 9

28 of 30

Final Assessment Overview

28

Eng4Dev - Class 9

29 of 30

Final Project

Part 1: Group Project (SDG 6 or 7 Solution Evaluation)

​

Due Date: December 17, 2023

​

For the final group project, your task is to evaluate an existing solution related to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) or SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Working in your assigned groups, select a real-world intervention or project that aims to address water and sanitation challenges (SDG 6) or promote clean and affordable energy access (SDG 7) in a specific context within Africa. Your evaluation will focus on assessing the effectiveness and sustainability of the chosen solution based on provided criteria.

29

Eng4Dev - Class 9

30 of 30

Final Project

Part 2: Student (Individual) Final Presentation

​

Due Date: December 17, 2023

​

In this individual final video presentation (3-4 minutes), you will have the opportunity to present your problem statement, defend its significance, and propose pathways for sustainable solutions. This pre-recorded video presentation should be concise and effectively convey your message.

30

Eng4Dev - Class 9