ABSTRACT
Many problems are either collections of several subproblems or are themselves the effects of underlying problems. What at first appears to be the problem may be only a symptom of an underlying problem. Similarly, identifying the cause of a problem often requires some extended investigation and thought. Problems fall into two broad types: externally caused and deliberately chosen. A subproblem is a smaller problem that is part of the larger one. Breaking the main problem down into subproblems is often the best way to solve it, especially if the main problem is large. Because problem solving can be a difficult and messy process ending in a solution that may be a challenge to implement, the problem-solving process must be owned by those affected. Failure to take sufficient time to identify and explore a problem will often result in solving the wrong problem. An important step in identifying a problem to be addressed is the analysis of causation.
