ABSTRACT
A systemic problem identification exercise generally leads to a list of issues—including potential opportunities, which may be missed without adequate interventions—to which decision makers should pay serious attention at any given time. Problem identification is therefore a process in which decision makers—with the help of adequate tools—recognise that certain issues are more important than others. The chapter suggests three steps to guide decision makers through the problem identification phase: defining the boundaries of the problem, identifying the causes and effects and analysing future behavioural paths and impacts. The problem identification phase starts with the definition of the problem boundaries. The identification of strategy/policy objectives is based on the outcomes of the issue identification phase and precedes the identification and choice of interventions. Problem identification indicators. These indicators seek to facilitate the identification of issues. To conclude, this case study shows how problem identification is an essential phase of the strategy/policy cycle.
