Abstract
The present chapter brings out the importance of clearly specifying the problem for effectiveness of the research study. It discusses clearly the manner of identifying ‘who’, ‘what’ and ‘how’ of a problem situation and specifies methods of problem structuring. The need for clear specifications of both primary and secondary problems is stressed. The manner of identification of relevant variables through forward, backward and combined backward/forward formulation is also discussed. The chapter deals with methods of exploring alternatives and designing a modelling framework for solving the problem under study. All concepts and ideas are illustrated by a number of real-life case examples.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Ackoff R (1962) Scientific method – optimising applied research decisions. Wiley, New York
Ackoff R (1981) The art and science of mess management. Interface 11(1):20–26
Bandyopadhyay R (1975) On approaches to O, R modelling. Omega 3(1):59–69
French S, Moule J, Papamichail N (2009) Decision behaviour analysis and support. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Rosenhead J (1996) What’s the problem? An introduction to problem structuring methods. Interface 26(6):117–131
White DJ (1969) Decision theory. Allen Unwin, London
White DJ (1975) Decision methodology. Wiley, Chichester
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer India
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Bandyopadhyay, R. (2015). Problem Formulation. In: Hegde, D. (eds) Essays on Research Methodology. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2214-9_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2214-9_4
Publisher Name: Springer, New Delhi
Print ISBN: 978-81-322-2213-2
Online ISBN: 978-81-322-2214-9
eBook Packages: Business and EconomicsEconomics and Finance (R0)