Presentation delivered during the URBACT Training for Elected Representatives Seminar 1 (8-10 April 2013, Brussels) "Integration. How to break silos and develop integrated and place-based solutions that cross the boundaries of government bodies, disciplines, or municipal borders?" Read more here - http://urbact.eu/en/news-and-events/urbact-events/training-for-elected-representatives/

1. Tools for problem indentification and analysis

2. Problem tree analysis
• Identifying problems, their causes, their roots
• In a collaborative setting
• Designing solutions and objectives
• There are alternative methods

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6. Step 1 - Formulate the problems
Group brainstorm
Participants should discuss and try and agree on
one focal problem.

7. Step 2: Elaborate the problem tree
Identify the causes of the focal problem – the roots
of the Tree –
…. and then identify the consequences – which
become the branches.

8. The heart of the exercise is the discussion,
debate and dialogue

9. Exercise: Make a problem tree, in groups
Core Problem: A very high % of unemployed migrants in
one city quarter
The discussion group has the following members:
1. School teacher
2. Owner of a large multinational company
3. Unemployed immigrant
4. Director of the cities’ employment office
5. Owner of a small retail shop in the area
6. Social worker
7. xxx
Create a problem tree. You have about 30 minutes!!!

10. Discussion issues:
Which causes and consequences are getting better, which are
getting worse and which are staying the same?
What are the most serious consequences?
Which causes are easiest / most difficult to address?
Where could a policy change help address a cause or
consequence?

11. From problems to solutions
A solution (also called objectives) tree is developed by
reversing the negative statements that form the problem
tree into positive ones.

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13. From solutions to objectives
"Objectives are statements of specific outcomes that are to
be achieved”
Example: “more people going to work by bike”
SMART:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-bound
(Evaluate)
(Re-evaluate)
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14. Solutions to objectives
Re-state
solutions as
objectives
Screen by those
LSG can address
Identify partners’
priority objectives
(i.e.. by voting)

15. Prioritisation Grid
Impact
Feasibility
Low High
LowHigh

16. Exercise
Make a solutions tree
If your group is fast:
Turn solutions into objectives
Put them in the prioritization grid

17. Advantages of the Problem Tree
The problem can be broken down, which helps to prioritize and
focus objectives;
Better understanding of the problem and its causes
It can help establish whether further information, evidence or
resources are needed to make a strong case, or build a
convincing solution;
The process of analysis helps build a shared sense of
understanding, purpose and action.

18. Questions
What are the 3 keylessonsfrom the seminar
thatyoucouldapply in your city
How and whatwillyou report back to your local support
group
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