Problem Analysis Using
the Problem Tree
Approach
04/14/16
Objectives
At the end of the session, the participants
shall:
have
a better understanding of the
Problem Analysis Using Problem Tree
Approach as a concept and as a tool in
problem analysis
Definition of Terms
Problem
any significant deviation from the normal and
standard condition or desired situation.
Causal
factor
a factor or condition that does or may influence a
problem.
Causal link
when a factor is connected or related to another
factor or condition
Causal chain
a representation of the causal links between
factors
Problem Tree Diagram
a simplified representation of the cause-and-effect
relationships of factors or problems
Problem Tree
Approach
BRANCHES
TRUNK
ROOTS
EFFECTS
CORE PROBLEM(S)
CAUSE(S)
Problem Analysis and Problem Tree
Effect
Focal
Problem/s
Cause
Malnutrition
Low rice production
Limited capital
Importance of Problem Tree Model
Ensures/guarantees
understanding of the scope
of the problem or situation and what really
happens
Helps
in understanding the mechanisms or
means of understanding the problem
useful tool for getting to the root of the problem
Facilitates
the identification of possible/
appropriate interventions
Guides
the decision making process for the
identification of the most appropriate strategy for
the resolution of the problem
serves
as reference in program/project planning
serves
as guide in identifying appropriate and
relevant interventions from the causal factors
identified
serves
as a framework of reference for monitoring
and evaluation
helps
in formulating hypothesis or opinions that
needs to be proven or examined
Guidelines in Building
Problem Tree Diagram
Schedule
The number of sessions to build a Problem Tree
Diagram depends on the scope of the
development goal
Team
composition
Multi-disciplinary team is needed and sub-groups
could be formed
Discussion
process
Brainstorming technique is used extensively
The
Facilitator/Moderator
The success of a brainstorming session depends
largely on the facilitation skills of the
facilitator/moderator
The
Recorder
Keeps track and takes down notes of the
proceedings of the discussion.
Requirements in Building
Problem Tree Diagram
Big
wall, or Brown paper if no wall
Strips of cartolina, cut into 4 x 8
Masking tapes
3-5 Pentel pens
Procedure in Building
Problem Tree Diagram
1. Write all possible problems on the strips;
one problem per strip.
2. Discuss the problems and determine the
major problem. Put the strip containing the
major problem on the upper part of the
wall.
3. Start brainstorming on the causes of the major
problem identified.
4. Branch out the causes either horizontally or
vertically. Agree on causal links.
Example:
Low Production
Lack of
Capital
Lack of
Irrigation
Marketing
Problem
5. Build diagram line by line.
Example:
Lack of
Capital
Low
income
Marketing
Problem
Lack of
credit
Low
price
Traders
monopoly
6. Continue breaking the causes into
secondary and tertiary level causes.
7. Identify the causal or logical
relationships among the different
problems by drawing lines or arrows.
8. Stop breaking the causes when ready for
intervention. Identify intervention(s) from the
last box in the diagram. Treating the problem
at its roots usually results in resolving the
higher order symptoms in the long term.
(Possible interventions can also be identified
at each level, but many underlying causes
remain unresolved and prevent an enduring
solution of the problem)
9. Check the logical consistency and
relationships.
10. Formulate
the indicators.
An example of Problem Analysis
