Self-assessment questions

SAQ 1

When is it advisable to use the Problem Definition Tool? Make some notes in answer to this question in the text box below.

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Answer

It is advisable to use the Problem Definition Tool when you need to both open a problem up – presenting it in a way that can be examined from a number of angles – and to define the wider context and associated issues involved.

SAQ 2

Drag and drop the following problem definition questions into the correct order.

Using the following two lists, match each numbered item with the correct letter.

  1. What is the key issue you are trying to address and why is it important?

  2. Who is it a problem for?

  3. What social/cultural factors shape this problem?

  4. What evidence do you have that this is worth the investment?

  5. Can you think of this problem in a different way? Can you reframe it?

  • a.Step 3

  • b.Step 1

  • c.Step 5

  • d.Step 4

  • e.Step 2

The correct answers are:
  • 1 = b
  • 2 = e
  • 3 = a
  • 4 = d
  • 5 = c

SAQ 3

In the text box below, draft some tips for completing the Problem Definition Tool from your experience of this – you completed a Problem Definition Template in Activity 3 – and from what you have learnt from the case studies (think in particular about ‘Case Study 4: Bringing diverse stakeholders together to define a problem’).

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Discussion

These were the tips that emerged from ‘Case Study 4: Bringing diverse stakeholders together to define a problem’:

  • Participants should try to provide a tangible example for the reframing column.
  • Limit the size of groups to five or six people for similar workshops. (The researchers in the case study were working with groups of ten to 12 people and they found it difficult to capture everyone’s input in the allocated time.)

SAQ 4

a. 

The tool moves you away from looking at the problem in a linear way.


b. 

The tool makes stakeholders feel involved and valued.


c. 

The tool can only help articulate what you already know.


d. 

The tool brings stakeholders’ understanding of the problem together.


e. 

The tool unpacks the problem into many different problems.


f. 

The tool places some boundaries around the problem giving clarity on what, and what not to consider.


The correct answers are a, b, d and f.