Problem formulation

Abstract

The present chapter brings out the importance of clearly specifying the problem for effectiveness of the research study. It discusses clearly the manner of identifying who, what and how of a problem situation and specifies methods of problem structuring. The need for clear specifications of both primary and secondary problems is stressed. The manner of identification of relevant variables through forward, backward and combined backward/forward formulation is also discussed. The chapter deals with methods of exploring alternatives and designing a modelling framework for solving the problem under study. All concepts and ideas are illustrated by a number of real-life case examples.