Problem Solving Research Report - Identifying and Solving Problems

This report explores problem-solving research, beginning with the definition of problem identification research and its steps, including identifying the problem, conducting a literature review, defining terms, and collecting data. It contrasts this with problem-solving research, which focuses on finding solutions to identified problems. The report emphasizes the significance of problem-solving research for businesses, highlighting its role in forming effective business strategies, generating revenue, and achieving a strong market position. It then provides a peer report analysis, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the peer's work, focusing on the identification of problems and the need for more detailed explanations of how companies implement these methods in their marketing activities. The report references key academic sources and provides a comprehensive overview of problem-solving research within a business context.

Running head: PROBLEM SOLVING
Problem Solving
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1
PROBLEM SOLVING
Answer 1:
The term problem identification research can be defined as the research which resrachers
conduct to find the roots to the challenges which they face. For example, there may be root
causes or parental factors which lead to problems. They also delve into the associated or
secondary problems which add to the complexity of the problem. The follwing are the steps to
conduct a problem identfication research:
Identification of problem:
The researcher identifies the problem and develops a research question on its basis. The
problem can present a challenge, a need which a company musta address or a future objective
which the company must achieve.
Literature review:
The researcher studies the problem on the basis of works of writers. The researcher also
gains information on the researches which have been done in the past (Rardin & Rardin, 2016).
Definition of terms and concepts:
The researcher then recognises the terms and concepts which the research needs to
address. These terms are mostly theories and key words on which the research would stand
(Goetsch & Davis, 2014).
Defining the population, development of the plan and collection of data:
The researcher then defines the population of respondent from whom he would gain data
using surveys and develops the plan based on the information gained. The next step is collection

2
PROBLEM SOLVING
of data from these respondents. He then analyses the data collected from the sources (Rardin &
Rardin, 2016).
Problem solving research consists of finding solution to a challenge identfied. Thus,
problem identification research seeks to identify a problem; problem-solving research finds
solution to the problem identified (Goetsch & Davis, 2014). The companies conduct further
research once they identify the problem to find solutions to counteract the issue. For example, if
the problem identified is decreasing profits due to a new competitor in the market, the companies
conduct research, which revolves around dealing with the new competitor. The outcome of the
research is forming strategies to extend either the product line or acquisition of new companies
in response to the competition. Problem solving reseach holds great significance for the
companies because they lead to formation of appropriate business strategies, which pave way for
the revenue generation, and high market position of the companies. Thus, one can conclude that
the problem solving research should be conducted strategically to ensure effective decision
making by the companies.
Answer 2:
The peer report mentions that problem identification aims to find the root causes of the
problems companeis encounter. It also points out various parameters like examining potential
market and sales analysis. The report also identifies that once problem is recognised, the
companies under research to find aout solitions to them. However, peer report is silent on the
steps the companies undertake to identify problems and find solution to them. The author of the
peer have mentioned names of companies but should have mentioed how these companeis use
these two methods in their marketing activities (Rardin & Rardin, 2016).

3
PROBLEM SOLVING

4
PROBLEM SOLVING
References:
Goetsch, D. L., & Davis, S. B. (2014). Quality management for organizational excellence. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: pearson.
Rardin, R. L., & Rardin, R. L. (2016). Optimization in operations research (p. 919). Prentice
Hall.