REPLY Getting a Good Problem Statement (SD6600)

[SDMAIL Ken Lloyd]

Posted by  "Ken Lloyd" <kalloyd at wattsys.com>

Jim,

May I offer a sample problem statement, one which is currently in a
Challenge competition.

Problem Statement:

To develop a framework for a flexible architecture that enables an
intelligent, small business
enterprise in accomplishing its objectives within the marketplace of values
and ideas. The
architecture describes the structure of a system whose behavior exhibits
intelligence, by which
we mean the ability to anticipate, adapt and respond to conditions
represented in an
environmental context. These conditions may not be known or understood by
the enterprise a
priori, and they will change over time in ways over which the enterprise has
no direct control
(although the enterprise does influence the environment in the actions and
reactions it may take).

The enterprise ... is one in which the market and competitive conditions are
well
documented and understood. This enterprise represents a small, independently
owned business
classified by NAICS ..., that has competitors ranging from small to very
large.
 
Deliverables:

Given (you provide the enterprise description, financial, human and capital
resources, the objectives, and the NAICS classification of a real system
under investigation)

Describe the architecture (structure and behavior) that can survive, and
thrive in a randomly (stochastically) selected set of market, competition,
collaboration and regulatory conditions for that NAICS over a period of 36
months.

Achievement:

Measurement upon a rubric based upon Maslow's Hierarchy.


Posted by  "Ken Lloyd" <kalloyd at wattsys.com>
posting date  Sat, 8 Sep 2007 11:49:18 -0600