How can you create a clear and specific problem statement for a data analytics project?

A problem statement is a concise and clear description of the issue that a data analytics project aims to address. It helps to define the scope, objectives, and expected outcomes of the project, as well as to guide the data collection and analysis process. In this article, you will learn how to create a clear and specific problem statement for a data analytics project in four steps.

1 Understand the context

The first step to create a problem statement is to understand the context of the problem. This means identifying the stakeholders, the background, the current situation, and the desired situation. You can use tools such as SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, or stakeholder mapping to gather relevant information and insights. You can also conduct interviews, surveys, or observations to collect data from the people who are affected by or involved in the problem.

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Rohan Agarwal

Business Automation | Data Science | I help Professionals and Entrepreneurs with Digital Marketing Services and Lead Generation | LinkedIn Marketing | FinTech | AI ML | Cosmology | Networking | Brand Strategy📈
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Some ways to understand the context of the problem are:- Make a list of problems that you may have, might have in the future or the problems you are facing now. This will help you understand the problem statement and the cause behind it. Doing proper research and making a problem journal will help in catering the risks with the problems.

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Cyrus Staniec

Military Operations Research Society Fellow
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As you begin to map the context, this is a good point to gather insight on factors that do (and do not) bear on the problem to be defined, Some relevant factors may be internal to your ongoing analysis but others (eg inflation rate, or target population size) will be outside your control in the study. Of those you do not control, consider which need to be identified as assumptions to the study. Be prepared to check and validate them, for changes to assumptions may affect validity of your analysis.

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2 Define the problem

The second step to create a problem statement is to define the problem in a clear and specific way. This means stating what the problem is, why it is a problem, who it affects, and how it impacts the stakeholders and the organization. You can use the 5W1H method (who, what, when, where, why, and how) to structure your problem definition. You can also use SMART criteria (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) to ensure that your problem statement is realistic and actionable.

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Rohan Agarwal

Business Automation | Data Science | I help Professionals and Entrepreneurs with Digital Marketing Services and Lead Generation | LinkedIn Marketing | FinTech | AI ML | Cosmology | Networking | Brand Strategy📈
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The problem statement is very essential when you are trying to find solutions to some specific risks and conflicts. The problem statement will help you in making a framework for the problems. It will include all the present problems and the factors that involve it and the solution that you might bring to resolve that problems.

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3 Identify the causes

The third step to create a problem statement is to identify the causes of the problem. This means analyzing the factors and conditions that contribute to or trigger the problem. You can use tools such as root cause analysis, fishbone diagram, or 5 whys to identify the underlying causes and effects of the problem. You can also use data visualization, descriptive statistics, or hypothesis testing to explore and validate the relationships between the variables and the problem.

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Rohan Agarwal

Business Automation | Data Science | I help Professionals and Entrepreneurs with Digital Marketing Services and Lead Generation | LinkedIn Marketing | FinTech | AI ML | Cosmology | Networking | Brand Strategy📈
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To solve any problem, you need to understand the problem. You need proper research and identify the risks and causes associated with those problems. By analysing the factors and causes you may find effective solutions to the specific problems.

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4 Write the problem statement

The fourth and final step to create a problem statement is to write it in a concise and clear way. This means summarizing the problem, the causes, and the expected outcomes in one or two sentences. You can use the following template to write your problem statement:

[Problem] is caused by [causes] and affects [stakeholders] by [impact]. The project will address [problem] by [solution] and achieve [outcome].

For example, a problem statement for a data analytics project on customer churn could be:

Customer churn is caused by low satisfaction, high price, and poor service and affects the company by reducing revenue and market share. The project will address customer churn by identifying the key drivers and segments of customer attrition and recommending strategies to retain and acquire customers and increase loyalty and profitability.

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Cyrus Staniec

Military Operations Research Society Fellow
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Completing the chemical process example, the statement might look like this: The objective of this analysis is to determine optimal CHAPA operating point and move it there (based on output weight and purity. Factors investigated will be: empirical balances of input raw materials; raw material purity (moisture content); operating temperature. Output of this study will be operating parameters and bounds to routinely achieve near-optimal process output.

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Rohan Agarwal

Business Automation | Data Science | I help Professionals and Entrepreneurs with Digital Marketing Services and Lead Generation | LinkedIn Marketing | FinTech | AI ML | Cosmology | Networking | Brand Strategy📈
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The problem statement will help you in making a framework for the problems. It will include all the present problems and the factors that involve it and the solution that you might bring to resolve those problems.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Rohan Agarwal

Business Automation | Data Science | I help Professionals and Entrepreneurs with Digital Marketing Services and Lead Generation | LinkedIn Marketing | FinTech | AI ML | Cosmology | Networking | Brand Strategy📈
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Make a visual framework for the problem statement. Visualization makes things easier to understand. The problem statement should include the essential causes and visual infographics.

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How can you create a clear and specific problem statement for a data analytics project?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Understand the context

2 Define the problem

3 Identify the causes

4 Write the problem statement

5 Here’s what else to consider

Data Analytics

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How can you create a clear and specific problem statement for a data analytics project?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Understand the context

2 Define the problem

3 Identify the causes

4 Write the problem statement

5 Here’s what else to consider

Data Analytics

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