How to Write a Statement of Problem in Project Work: Guide and Examples

4 years ago

How to Write a Statement of Problem in Project Work: Guide and Examples

The statement of problem is arguably the most critical section of your research project – it’s your opportunity to convince readers why your research matters. While many students struggle with writing a compelling statement of problem, I’m going to share a proven 5-paragraph technique that has helped countless researchers craft clear, convincing, and well-structured problem statements.

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Why the 5-paragraph approach works:

Creates a logical flow from broad context to specific research focus
Ensures comprehensive coverage of all essential elements
Helps maintain focus and avoid common pitfalls like excessive definitions
Makes it easier to blend trends, specificity, and literature gaps
Results in a cohesive narrative that naturally leads to your research objectives

Understanding the Power of Five Paragraphs in writing Statement of Problem

The 5-paragraph technique for writing a statement of problem isn’t just another academic formula – it’s a strategic approach that mirrors how researchers naturally think about problems. Think of it as telling a compelling story: you start with the big picture (like establishing the setting), zoom in on the specific issue (introducing the conflict), show what others have tried (previous plot points), explain why it matters (raising the stakes), and finally point toward a solution (setting up the resolution).

Each paragraph builds upon the previous one, creating a natural flow that keeps readers engaged while systematically establishing your research’s importance.

Before we dive into our example, let’s outline the purpose of each paragraph:

Context & Trend Paragraph
- Sets the broader context of your research area
- Highlights relevant trends or developments
- Establishes why this area matters
Specific Problem Paragraph
- Narrows down to your specific research focus
- Presents concrete examples or evidence
- Shows real-world implications
Previous Efforts & Gap Paragraph
- Acknowledges existing research/solutions
- Identifies limitations or gaps
- Shows what’s missing in current knowledge
Consequences Paragraph
- Explains implications of not addressing the problem
- Highlights urgency or importance
- Links to stakeholder impacts
Research Direction Paragraph
- Briefly indicates your intended approach
- Links to your broader research objectives
- Shows potential value of your study

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Walking Through an Example: Digital Financial Inclusion

Let’s craft a statement of problem about digital financial inclusion in Nigeria, using our 5-paragraph technique. I’ll explain the thinking behind each paragraph as we go.

Paragraph 1: Context & Trend

Here’s how we blend broader context with current trends:

The rapid digitalization of financial services has transformed global banking landscapes, with mobile banking and digital payments becoming increasingly central to financial inclusion initiatives worldwide. In Africa, mobile money users grew from 277 million in 2016 to over 562 million in 2021, marking a significant shift in how people access financial services. Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy, has seen relatively slower adoption of digital financial services, with only 45% of adults having access to digital banking platforms as of 2023, significantly below the government’s target of 80% financial inclusion by 2024.

Analysis of Paragraph 1:

Opens with global context (digitalization trend)
Provides specific statistics to establish credibility
Narrows focus to Nigeria while maintaining context
Avoids definitions and focuses on trends
Sets up the problem space effectively

Paragraph 2: Specific Problem

Now we zoom in on the specific issue:

Despite significant investments in digital banking infrastructure, rural communities in Nigeria face persistent barriers to digital financial inclusion. Recent surveys indicate that 67% of rural adults remain unbanked, with limited access to smartphones, unreliable internet connectivity, and low digital literacy emerging as primary obstacles. In Northern Nigeria particularly, only 23% of rural women have access to digital financial services, creating a significant gender gap in financial inclusion. These barriers persist even as traditional banking branches continue to close in rural areas, leaving many communities without any formal financial services.

Analysis of Paragraph 2:

Focuses on specific aspects (rural communities)
Uses concrete statistics
Identifies clear barriers
Shows real-world impact
Builds naturally from Paragraph 1

Paragraph 3: Previous Efforts & Gap

Here we acknowledge existing work and identify gaps:

While various stakeholders have attempted to address digital financial inclusion through initiatives like mobile money agents and simplified KYC requirements, these efforts have yielded limited success in rural areas. Government policies focused on infrastructure development and digital literacy programs have primarily benefited urban centers, leaving rural communities behind. Current research has extensively documented access barriers but offers limited insight into effective strategies for overcoming cultural resistance and building trust in digital financial services among rural populations, particularly among women and elderly citizens.

Analysis of Paragraph 3:

Acknowledges existing efforts
Shows why they’re insufficient
Identifies specific research gaps
Links to previous paragraphs
Sets up need for new research

Paragraph 4: Consequences

Now we articulate the implications of not addressing the problem:

The persistent digital financial exclusion of rural communities carries significant socioeconomic implications for Nigeria’s development goals. Without access to digital financial services, rural businesses struggle to participate in the growing e-commerce sector, limiting their growth potential and contribution to the national economy. The lack of digital financial access also impedes the effectiveness of government social welfare programs, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic when many rural residents couldn’t receive direct cash transfers. Furthermore, the continued reliance on cash transactions exposes rural populations to security risks and limits their ability to build formal credit histories, perpetuating the cycle of financial exclusion.

Analysis of Paragraph 4:

Shows clear consequences
Links to broader economic impact
Provides specific examples
Creates sense of urgency
Connects to real-world situations

Paragraph 5: Research Direction

Finally, we indicate the research approach and potential value:

This research aims to investigate effective strategies for increasing digital financial adoption in rural Nigeria, with a particular focus on addressing cultural barriers and trust issues. By examining successful cases of digital financial inclusion in similar rural contexts across Africa, and analyzing the role of community-based approaches in building trust, this study seeks to develop a framework for sustainable digital financial inclusion that accounts for local cultural nuances and practical constraints. The findings will be valuable for policymakers, financial institutions, and development organizations working to bridge the digital financial divide in rural Nigeria.

Analysis of Paragraph 5:

Clearly states research direction
Shows potential value
Links to previous paragraphs
Identifies target audience
Maintains focus on problem-solving

Statement of problem in a project Example 2: Cybersecurity in Nigerian SMEs

Here’s another complete example of a statement of problem using our 5-paragraph technique:

The exponential growth of digital transformation among businesses globally has made cybersecurity a critical concern, with cyber attacks causing estimated annual losses of $6 trillion worldwide in 2021. In Nigeria, the rapid adoption of digital tools for business operations, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has created new vulnerabilities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Recent reports indicate a 177% increase in cyber attacks targeting Nigerian businesses between 2020 and 2023, with SMEs becoming increasingly preferred targets due to their typically weaker security infrastructure.

Despite the growing threat landscape, Nigerian SMEs demonstrate alarming unpreparedness for cyber threats, with recent surveys indicating that 82% lack basic cybersecurity protocols. A 2023 industry report reveals that 67% of Nigerian SMEs have experienced at least one cyber attack in the past year, resulting in average losses of ₦3.5 million per incident. More concerning, 73% of affected businesses lack incident response plans, leaving them vulnerable to repeated attacks and potentially catastrophic data breaches.

While cybersecurity solutions and frameworks exist for enterprise-level organizations, these resources often prove inappropriate or financially unfeasible for SMEs in the Nigerian context. Current research focuses predominantly on technical solutions and frameworks designed for large organizations, with limited attention to the unique constraints and capabilities of Nigerian SMEs. Additionally, existing studies have not adequately addressed the role of employee behavior and organizational culture in cybersecurity readiness within the Nigerian SME context.

The continued vulnerability of Nigerian SMEs to cyber threats poses significant risks not only to individual businesses but to the entire digital ecosystem. Compromised SMEs often serve as entry points for attacks on larger organizations, threatening the integrity of supply chains and financial networks. The financial impact of cyber attacks forces many SMEs to either cease operations or revert to less efficient manual processes, undermining Nigeria’s digital transformation goals. Moreover, the lack of confidence in cybersecurity capabilities discourages many SMEs from adopting potentially beneficial digital tools, hampering their competitiveness in an increasingly digital marketplace.

This study seeks to develop a practical, cost-effective cybersecurity framework specifically tailored to Nigerian SMEs’ needs and capabilities. By examining successful cybersecurity practices among resource-constrained organizations and analyzing the behavioral aspects of cybersecurity implementation, this research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical security frameworks and practical implementation challenges faced by Nigerian SMEs. The findings will contribute to both the academic understanding of SME cybersecurity and provide actionable guidelines for business owners and policymakers.

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Best Practices and Tips

Maintain Focus
- Keep the problem central throughout all paragraphs
- Ensure each paragraph builds on previous ones
- Avoid tangential information
Use Evidence Effectively
- Include recent statistics and data
- Cite credible sources
- Balance numbers with narrative
Build Logical Flow
- Use transition sentences between paragraphs
- Ensure each paragraph serves its specific purpose
- Maintain consistent argumentation
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t include theoretical definitions
- Avoid vague statements without evidence
- Don’t introduce new problems in later paragraphs
Language and Style
- Use clear, precise language
- Maintain academic tone
- Emphasize significance without being dramatic

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Statement of Problem Checklist

✓ Does it start with broader context?

✓ Are specific problems clearly identified?

✓ Is there evidence of gaps in current knowledge?

✓ Are consequences clearly articulated?

✓ Does it lead naturally to research objectives?

✓ Are all claims supported by evidence?

✓ Is the writing clear and focused?

✓ Does it avoid unnecessary definitions?

✓ Is there a logical flow between paragraphs?

✓ Does it demonstrate significance?

Remember: A well-written statement of problem should read like a compelling story about why your research matters, supported by evidence and leading naturally to your research objectives.

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