Defining the project
Every project, whether it's developing a new product, launching a campaign, or solving a complex
issue, is essentially about addressing a problem or a challenge. How you define that problem sets the
foundation for how you will approach and ultimately solve it. In other words, it shapes the entire
trajectory of your project.
Imagine starting on a journey without a clear destination. You might end up wandering aimlessly,
getting lost, or reaching a place you never intended to go. Similarly, without a well-defined problem,
your project risks becoming a directionless endeavor with no clear purpose or outcome.
Project problem definition
When we talk about project problem definition, we're essentially talking about understanding and
prioritizing the current challenges that we, as a group or individuals, need to improve. It's about
figuring out the obstacles that stand in the way of our goals and objectives.
Now, a project, as we all know, is essentially a plan of work designed to lead us to a desired outcome.
But here's the thing – before we go into executing that plan, it's the best if we pause and reflect on
why we are taking on this project in the first place.
So, when we define the problem, we're essentially asking ourselves and our team: What are the
obstacles standing in our way? What needs improvement, and why? It's about thinking of the current
situation, understanding the pain points, and prioritizing them based on their impact on our goals.
5 whys technique
As nabanggit WHY? In the 1950s, Toyota Motor Corporation’s pioneer of the Production System,
Taiichi Ohno, implemented “kaizen” (a method of continuous improvement). He is said to have
instructed his staff to “ask why five times about every matter” as “the root cause of any problem is
the key to a lasting solution”.
When applying the 5 Whys technique, you want to get to the problem's essence and then fix it.
Actually, the 5 Whys may show you that the source of the problem is quite unexpected.
Who, What, Where, When, Why and How.
This tool is very popular among journalists whilst also being used and applied to different
contexts. It will help you ask the right questions, expand your enquiry and obtain the right
information, which in turn helps you find the best solutions.
