International Project Management Association (IPMA) Practice Exam

Which step comes first in the problem-solving process?

1. Identify possible courses of action

2. Define the desired end result

3. Identify the problem

4. Follow-up to ensure the problem was solved

The correct answer is: Identify the problem

In the problem-solving process, identifying the problem is the essential first step because it lays the foundation for all subsequent actions. Before any solutions can be considered or goals defined, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the issue at hand. This involves recognizing the symptoms, analyzing the context, and determining the underlying causes of the problem. Without this initial identification, efforts to define the desired outcome or explore potential solutions may be misguided and ineffective. In this stage, the focus is on gathering information and insights related to the issue. Once the problem is clearly articulated, it becomes possible to move on to defining what a successful resolution would look like and exploring various courses of action to address it. Thus, starting with problem identification is vital for effective problem-solving.