WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Today I want to share more about the impact my ABP classes are having on me. Before I do that, I’d like to acknowledge that, indeed things are beginning to look a lot clearer on the ABP. Last week, i got a full grasp of what it means to have a problem statement and how to systematically outline one.

A problem statement should have the what, when, why, who, how of the case. It should capture the essence of the entire case and be concluded with a question. In putting together a problem statement a number of things are key:

1. FLOW & RHYTHM : While Ms Anibaba went through the problem statement of the different class groups, a comment that kept coming was the “Flow” of the entire statement. Any one going through a problem statement ought to feel like that are been taken through a short journey about the entire case without missing out the core of what needs to be solved at the end of the day. Without a proper flow, it is easy to get lost while reading and hence disconnected for the core of the problem. Flow provides logic, coherence and rigor to the problem statement.
2. ELEMENT OF SURPRISE : The problem statement ought to be framed in such a way that the problem is stated without necessarily outlining all the alternatives. This provides an element of surprise and allows the reader the ability to critically think through the problem, spurring them to actually read the case for the alternatives. Also, the alternative stated may not actually be the alternatives except it was determined by asking the right questions and backed up with relevant data.
3. GO BEYOND THE OBVIOUS : Three groups out of four, did the conventional and literally gave Mrs Anibaba what she asked for, but for group two who literally went to town. I found that confusing as i thought we were to play strictly by the books. However i was very wrong. In her words, she said “Feel free to disregard the instructions as long as you are giving me more information in line with the overall objective of the case”. Group two came up with a really impressive presentation that taught us all lessons. The core lesson for my was “Always put your best foot forward” . Sometimes all we have is one chance to make the best first impression.
   

ABP sparks up my thinking and has given me the freedom to explore within. I am constantly analyzing several situations for the problem, objective, and alternatives. I find myself more willing to ask questions instead of running off to provide answers. Every problem is an opportunity to learn something new and discover new possibilities.

Of course, with thinking comes analyzing. For a proper analysis to be done, data must be involved. Now this area I still find daunting. My goal now is to ensure that every analysis is backed up with the relevant data before any decision is considered and made.