Phil
Druker /University of Idaho/English 317
PROBLEM
SOLVING
Here is a
list of questions you can answer the start to develop the main
parts of your proposal. This will help you evaluate the problem
you will deal with in your proposal and help you aim for a
solution. By working through this brainstorming exercise, you
will gather ideas for completing your proposal. (Note some of
these questions are similar.)
Argument of Fact
1. Identify the problem. (Show the
problem exists.)
Who does it affect? Who cares about this topic?
What are the consequences of the problem? What parts of the
system does it affect?
When is it a problem? When did it become a problem?
Where is it a problem? In what parts of the system does the
problem occur?
Why is it a problem?
What is the theory behind the problem? What is the history behind
it?
How did it become a problem? What happened to cause the problem?
What have other people done with a similar problem? (Did it
work?)
2. Determine the problem's importance. (Judge the
problem)
Who does the topic you are dealing with affect? Who is it
important to?
Why is it important to them? Why should anyone be concerned?
How important is it to them?
Is it important enough to spend money and time solving? Why?
3. What kind of problem is this?
(Define the problem.)
Is it a management problem, an environmental problem, an ethical
problem, a computer modeling problem, a lack of information
problem, a lack of funding problem, a design problem, a sales
problem . . . ?
Argument of Policy
4. What will you create to solve the
problem?
What is your ultimate goal?
What is your specific project goal or objective (aside from
writing a report of some kind for the end of the semester,
although this is one of your objectives)?
What kinds of information do you plan to obtain and present in
your final project? What kind of information do you think your
final report will contain?
5. What do you plan to do? What steps
will you take to accomplish your solution?
6. Evaluate whether your solution is
feasible.
What makes you believe your solution is reasonable?
How does your solution solve the problem?
How much time will it take to complete your solution?
Are there enough people to solve the problem? Will you be able to
get the necessary help?
How much money will it take to create your solution
Is there sufficient equipment and technology to solve it?
In what way is your solution useful? (cost effective, expedient,
ethical, . . . ?)
Argument based on Character
7. Do you have the expertise to solve
the problem? What is it?
Audience
8. Who will make the decision about
accepting your proposal?
Will it be an individual or a group?
On what basis will they make the decision? (profit, altruism,
curiosity, need for information?)
What kind of appeal will you make to the decision makers?