Problem Definition & Goal Setting

Question 1

What is a problem?

Answer 1

A problem is an unwanted situation that needs to be addressed or resolved to achieve a desired situation.

Question 2

What is the first step in problem solving?

Answer 2

Identify and define the problem.

Question 3

How can a problem be defined in terms of desire and reality?

Answer 3

A problem is the difference between the actual reality and the desired outcome.

Question 4

What are the five precautions for defining a problem?

Answer 4

1. State the problem broadly
2. Gather facts and information about impacts and consequences
3. Ensure it is the real reason preventing your goals
4. Do not confuse symptoms with the actual problem
5. Do not confuse problems with opportunities in disguise.

Question 5

It is advisable to take more time _________ a problem than solving it.

Answer 5

Defining.

Question 6

What does goal setting involve?

Answer 6

1. Identifying goals
2. Noting what needs to be done to achieve them
3. Creating a game plan to prioritize valuable activities and tasks.

Question 7

What are SMART goals?

Answer 7

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based.

Question 8

What does Specific mean in SMART goals?

Answer 8

The goal should be narrow and clearly defined.

Question 9

What does Measurable mean in SMART goals?

Answer 9

Define evidence that proves progress is being made.

Question 10

What does Attainable mean in SMART goals?

Answer 10

The goal can realistically be achieved within a certain timeframe.

Question 11

What does Relevant mean in SMART goals?

Answer 11

The goal aligns with your values and long-term objectives.

Question 12

What does Time-based mean in SMART goals?

Answer 12

Set a realistic and ambitious deadline to aid motivation and prioritization.

Question 13

What is the difference between a symptom and a root cause of a problem?

Answer 13

Solving symptoms does not solve the problem, while addressing the root cause prevents recurrence.

Question 14

What are the two popular techniques for problem definition

Answer 14

“5 Why’s Technique and 5 Ws + H Technique”

Question 15

What does asking Why help you with?

Answer 15

It helps prevent mislabeling a symptom as the root cause.

Question 16

How do you use the 5 Whys technique?

Answer 16

Start with the problem and repeatedly ask Why until the root cause is identified.

Question 17

What is the 5 Ws (+H) Technique?

Answer 17

A problem analysis technique that involves asking What, Who, Where, When, Why, and How.

Question 18

What does ‘What’ address in the 5 Ws (+H) technique?

Answer 18

What is the problem? What is the current reality because of the problem? and What will the reality be like if the problem continues?

Question 19

What does ‘Who’ address in the 5 Ws (+H) technique?

Answer 19

Who does the problem impact directly and indirectly? Who contributes to the problem?

Question 20

What does ‘When’ address in the 5 Ws (+H) technique?

Answer 20

When did the problem begin? When does it occur? When does it need to be resolved?

Question 21

What does ‘Where’ address in the 5 Ws (+H) technique?

Answer 21

Where is the problem occurring?

Question 22

What does ‘Why’ address in the 5 Ws (+H) technique?

Answer 22

Why is the problem happening? Why is it important to solve it?

Question 23

What does ‘How’ address in the 5 Ws (+H) technique?

Answer 23

How would the world or situation be different if the problem were solved?

Question 24

What is the next logical step after examining root causes and understanding the problem?

Answer 24

Generating a problem statement.

Question 25

What is a problem statement?

Answer 25

A concise and clear description of a specific problem, its significance, who it affects, and the gap between the current state and the desired state.

Question 26

What is an effective problem statement designed to address?

Answer 26

The Five Ws (+H).

Question 27

What are the key elements of a problem statement?

Answer 27

PPIG 1. A succinct problem description 2. The specific population affected 3. The impact of the problem 4. The gap between present reality and the desired outcome.

Question 28

What does PPIG stand for?

Answer 28

Problem description, Population, Impact, Gap.

Question 29

What are user stories?

Answer 29

Short, simple descriptions of a feature or functionality from the user's perspective that capture user needs, goals, and expected benefits.

Question 30

What format do user stories typically follow?

Answer 30

As a User, I want to _______ (the action or goal), so that I can _________(expected outcome or benefit).

Question 31

What are acceptance criteria?

Answer 31

Specific conditions or requirements that must be met for a user story to be considered complete.

Question 32

What are the qualities of good acceptance criteria?

Answer 32

(SMAFT) They should be specific, measurable, achievable, focused on key user functionality, and testable.