Problem Statement

Write a description of the problem to be solved. Use the following form to express the problem statement.

Element	Description
The problem of . . .	Describe the problem.
Affects . . .	Identify stakeholders affected by the problem.
And Results in . . .	Describe the impact of this problem on stakeholders and business activity.
The benefits of a solution are . . .	Indicate the proposed solution and list a few key benefits.

Here is an example problem statement for a proposed online student advisement system.

Element	Description
The problem of . . .	Students often do not graduate as quickly as they could.
Affects . . .	Students, parents, advisors, faculty, staff, university administrators, taxpayers
And Results in . . .	Increased costs for students, parents and taxpayers, extra effort required by students, advisors, faculty and staff, loss of university reputation (lower national ranking)
The benefits of a solution are . . .	By providing an online student advisement system students will be able to get more timely and accurate information to help them more efficiently plan their education.