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From RECL 3P25 Fall 2011 - Group 03 - Problem Tree Analysis

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	== Definition and Descripion ==		== Definition and Descripion ==

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Revision as of 20:52, 24 November 2011

Problem Tree Analysis Research Technique

problem tree

Contents 1 Definition and Descripion 2 Applications 3 Objectives 4 History 5 Procedure 6 Technique Strengths 7 Technique Limitations 8 Tips For Successful Implementation 9 In Field Application 10 References 11 External Links 12 Authors

Definition and Descripion

Problem Tree Analysis is a research method used to analyze the existing situation surrounding a given problem condition, identify the major problems and the core problem of a situation, and visualize the cause-effect relationships in a Problem Tree diagram.

Usually, a project focuses on one or a few core problems. Understanding the core problem and its causes is important if the project is to effectively address the effects of that problem on the community. The problem tree is one method of mapping out core problems, along with their causes and effects, helping project planners to identify clear and manageable objectives.

Like any other tree, the problem tree has three parts: a trunk, roots, and branches. The trunk is the core problem. The roots represent the causes of the core problem and the branches represent its effects. Similar the roots of a tree, the causes of the core problem are not always immediately apparent, but if we do not understand the causes there is little we can do to address the problem.

When the group is satisfied that the problem tree provides a good overview of the main challenges facing the community, it is time to identify how a project might make a difference. In other words, it is time to turn the problem tree into a solution tree.

Solution Tree

For each negative statement, come up with a positive statement that describes a solution to the problem.

For example, “People lack access to clean drinking water” could be turned into, “Provide people with access to clean drinking water”.

These positive statements provide a basis for selecting project objectives – the specific goals that your project will aim to achieve. Again, focus only on those objectives that the project will realistically address, given the constraints of budget, time frame, and staff.

Good for: Helping people organize their thoughts and perceptions.

Exploring the sources of our problems.

Pushing participants to develop more complex and deeper explanations of their problems.

Laying the ground work for strategic planning.

Applications

Steps In Making a Problem Tree

1 - List all the problems that come to mind. Problems need to be carefully identified: they should be existing problems, not possible, imagined or future ones. The problem is an existing negative situation, it is not the absence of a solution.

2 - Identify a core problem 

3 - Determine which problems are “Causes” and which are “Effects.”

4 - Arrange in hierarchy both Causes and Effects, i.e., how do the causes relate to each other - which leads to the other, etc.

Objectives

History

Procedure

Technique Strengths

Include root causes think and adhere; can be easy to read and make connections through the diagram it’s visual once the problem is determined it can be turned into a solution tree it’s grouped into causes and effects it can determine who is in charge by fixing one root cause it may take away more than one negative effect it can include a lot of input from people in the process of determining the causes and effects it can identify political factors and solutions for each.

This brings several advantages:

1. The problem can be broken down into manageable and definable chunks. This enables a clearer prioritization of factors and helps focus objectives;

2. There is more understanding of the problem and its often interconnected and even contradictory causes. This is often the first step in finding win-win solutions;

3. It identifies the constituent issues and arguments, and can help establish who and what the political actors and processes are at each stage;

4. It can help establish whether further information, evidence or resources are needed to make a strong case, or build a convincing solution;

5. Present issues - rather than apparent, future or past issues - are dealt with and identified; The process of analysis often helps build a shared sense of understanding, purpose and action.

Technique Limitations

->Human error

->It can be done without talking to others

->Can get lost in the confusion of problems

->Data can be extensive and overwhelming at first

->There is never one first answer and because of that people may disagree.

Tips For Successful Implementation

In Field Application

Sam Dear

References

Fikes R.E. & Nilsson N. J. (1971). Strips: A new approach to the application of theorem proving to problem solving. Stanford Research Institute, Cal, USA. Vol 2, No 3-4, pp 189-208. DOI: 10.1016/0004-3702(71)90010-5. 

External Links

Authors

Jill Szewczyk,

Danielle Rastovac,

Kyley Stevenson,

Hillary Bennett,

Brooke McGill,

Bianca Kozlowski