Problem Statement

Strong evidence (articles published in the past 3 years) will be used to demonstrate the problem you plan to investigate. Articulate a concise problem statement. Include appropriate published or relevant scholarly and peer-reviewed sources to document the existence of a problem worthy of doctoral-level research. Explain the need for and importance of the study. Present the general issue grounded in the research literature that leads to the need for the study. Identify the specific problem you wish to address. The documented problem may be a practical problem or issue in the profession or study context without an acceptable solution. In defining the problem, a clear discrepancy must be drawn between what exists currently and what is desired.  Although an applied study design does not necessarily require generalizability beyond the study site, worthy problems must be relevant and documented beyond any particular study site. Considering the potential negative consequences to the industry, sector, profession, or stakeholders is necessary if the proposed research is never conducted.
Note:
• Applied/practice-based business research problems should be discussed in the context of the evidence of the local problem and larger population.
• Ph.D. business problems are framed in the literature beyond a specific site document.
• Support your assignment with at least five scholarly, peer-reviewed resources.
Before you submit your work, check your problem statement for each of the following:
• Does your statement begin with “The problem to be addressed in this study is…”?
• Does your statement logically flow from the written submission from the previous week?
• Do you clearly identify the problem to be addressed by the study?
• Did you use current citations (less than 3 years old) to provide evidence of the problem?
• Did you identify who is impacted by the problem (e.g., individuals, organizations, industries, or society)?
• Did you identify what is not known that should be known about the problem?
• Did you identify what the potential negative consequences could be if the problem is not addressed?
• Is your statement concise (less than 350 words)?
 Create a Problem Statement

Sample Solution

Problem Statement:

The problem to be addressed in this study is the lack of understanding of the factors that drive the adoption of sustainable business practices among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries.

Evidence:

  • A 2022 study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that only 20% of SMEs in developing countries have adopted sustainable business practices.
  • A 2021 study by the World Economic Forum found that SMEs in developing countries face a number of challenges in adopting sustainable business practices, including lack of access to finance, technology, and information.
  • A 2020 study by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) found that SMEs in developing countries are disproportionately affected by climate change and other environmental challenges.

Need for and Importance of the Study:

SMEs play a vital role in the economies of developing countries. They account for a majority of the employment and contribute significantly to GDP. However, SMEs are also major contributors to pollution and environmental degradation.

The adoption of sustainable business practices can help SMEs to reduce their environmental impact and improve their bottom line. However, more research is needed to understand the factors that drive the adoption of sustainable business practices among SMEs in developing countries.

General Issue Grounded in the Research Literature:

The research literature on the adoption of sustainable business practices is extensive. However, most of the research has focused on large corporations in developed countries. There is a gap in the literature on the adoption of sustainable business practices among SMEs in developing countries.

Specific Problem:

This study will address the following specific problem:

What are the factors that drive the adoption of sustainable business practices among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries?

Who is Impacted by the Problem?

The problem of the lack of adoption of sustainable business practices among SMEs in developing countries impacts a wide range of stakeholders, including:

  • SMEs themselves
  • Employees of SMEs
  • Communities in which SMEs operate
  • The environment
  • Society as a whole

What is Not Known That Should be Known About the Problem?

More research is needed to understand the following about the problem of the lack of adoption of sustainable business practices among SMEs in developing countries:

  • The specific factors that drive and hinder the adoption of sustainable business practices among SMEs in developing countries
  • The role of different stakeholders in promoting the adoption of sustainable business practices among SMEs in developing countries
  • The effectiveness of different interventions in promoting the adoption of sustainable business practices among SMEs in developing countries

Potential Negative Consequences:

If the problem of the lack of adoption of sustainable business practices among SMEs in developing countries is not addressed, there will be a number of negative consequences, including:

  • Increased pollution and environmental degradation
  • Reduced economic growth
  • Increased job losses
  • Increased poverty and inequality

Conclusion:

The problem of the lack of adoption of sustainable business practices among SMEs in developing countries is a serious one. This study will address the problem by investigating the factors that drive the adoption of sustainable business practices among SMEs in developing countries. The findings of this study will be used to develop interventions to promote the adoption of sustainable business practices among SMEs in developing countries.

 

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