1. Brief description of the problem
Describe your problem in a single, simple phrase. Avoid using professional terminology – instead, use “everyday” language such as that you would use to speak to a high-school science student.
2. Information about the system
2.1 System name
Name the system. (This determines the systemic level from which the problem will be considered.)
2.2 System structure
Describe the system's structure by developing a description and associated drawing of the system. The structure should be described in its static state (i.e., the condition when the system is not operating). Be sure to indicate all subsystems and important elements.
2.3 Functioning of the system
Describe what the system was designed for – its Primary Useful Function – and the purpose of performing the Primary Useful Function (i.e., the Primary Useful Function of the super-system). Describe the functioning of the system, i.e., the system in its “dynamic” state.
2.4 System environment
Describe other systems that are near the system (or which might be near it often).
Describe other systems that interact with the system, especially sources of energy, substances, etc.
3. Information about the problem situation
3.1 Problem that should be resolved
Describe the problem you are faced with.
3.2 Mechanism causing the problem
Describe all known hypotheses (mechanisms) regarding the cause of this problem using “cause-and-effect” chains.
3.3 Undesired consequences of unresolved problem
Describe the undesired consequences of the problem if it continues to go unresolved.
3.4 History of the problem
Describe the evolution of your system, starting from the moment when the problem first occurred.
Describe the decisions that changed the system from one without this problem to one with this problem.
Describe all known attempts to eliminate, reduce or prevent the problem – especially the unsuccessful ones. State the reasons why these directions were unsuccessful.
3.5 Other systems in which a similar problem exists
Name systems in which a similar problem exists, and answer the following questions: Has this problem been solved? If yes, how was it solved? Why can’t such a solution to the problem you are facing?
3.6 Other problems to be solved
Imagine that the problem you are trying to address is unsolvable. Try to formulate other problems which, if solved, would eliminate the need to solve the original problem.
4. Ideal vision of solution
Describe the ideal solution using the following template:
Everything in the system remains unchanged or becomes less complicated, while
<describe a required function> appears, or <describe a harmful function> disappears.
5. Available resources
Describe the resources of the system and its surroundings. (Resources are substances, energy, functional characteristics, and other attributes of a system or its surroundings.)
6. Allowable changes to the system
Describe the allowable changes to the system.
Describe any limitations for changing the system.
7. Criteria for selecting solution concepts
Any process must have a measure for success. Some criteria are so obvious that they are not even mentioned until they are violated by a developed solution concept. To avoid wasting time and effort developing useless solution concepts, document the “success criteria” here:
8. Company business environment
Describe the company's products, markets, competition, clients, suppliers, facilities, process systems, etc. related to the problem.
9. Project data
Project timeline: (MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY)
Project team contact information (name, e-mail, phone):
<Company Name>
<Name, e-mail, phone>
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