Problem Analysis

ENG302 : The Class : Rhetoric : Situations : Problem Analysis
Problem Analysis

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Problem Analysis:

The best way to solve any communication problem is to break it down into parts. Most large problems consist of several smaller problems, which when solved provide a solution to the larger one. Generally, problems can be divided into three types:

· Problems of Fact: Establish verifiable information and acceptable definitions of terms.

· Problems of Interpretation: Establishing clear and logical relationships among pertinent facts and acceptable definitions.

These relationships allow the reader to draw conclusions based on he available facts and definitions.

· Problems of Value: Establishing hierarchies of importance, so that choices can be made when different sorts of facts,

definitions, and interpretations are mutually exclusive.

When you analyze the problem’s parts, you need to go beyond the basic statement of the problem itself, into a broader understanding of the company. Look at this example.

A coal company has the opportunity to lease 20,000 acres in southwestern Wyoming for exploratory drilling. The

overall problem is, should they lease the property or not?

Problems of Fact:

· What costs will be incurred if the property is leased?

· How much will be paid tot he party from whom the land is leased? How and when will these payments be made?

· What are the property’s geological features?

Problems of Interpretation:

· Do the geological studies indicate a high grade coal area?

· Have other mining companies been successful in the same area? How long before the mine becomes profitable?

Problems of Value:

· Will the value of the coal justify the impact of a large-scale mining operation on the environment?

· Will the length of time required for the mine to become profitable be too long to make it an attractive investment?

1. Practice Problem: Analyze this problem’s parts. Record your ideas, and then compare them to mine. Each set of problems is worth 10 points.

Brent Schwinn, owner of a construction company, has just received an unusually low quotation on some lumber he needs for a house he is working on. Brent’s problem is whether to buy the lumber at such a low price, and if so, how much to buy.

Your answers:

1. Problems of Fact:

2. 2. Problems of Interpretation:

3. 3. Problems of Value:

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E-mail Greg Larkin at Gregory.Larkin@nau.edu
or call (520) 523-4911

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