Before you can solve a problem, you need to define it clearly. Business Problem Framing is a foundational course that teaches you how to ask the right questions, align stakeholders, and set the stage for effective analytics work. Whether you're preparing for the CAP® exam or leading data-driven initiatives, this course helps you build the critical thinking and strategic clarity needed to turn complex business challenges into actionable analytics problems.
Domain 1: Business Problem (Question) Framing 
Domain 2: Analytics Problem Framing 
Domain 3: Data Collection & Preparation 
Domain 4: Methodology Selection 
Domain 5: Model Building Explore the Business Problem Framing Course for free, without having to enter your email, compliments of CAP! This course gives you practical techniques to solve challenges that actually matter to your organization. No more brilliant analyses that sit unused or projects that miss the business need.
Unpack the stark contrast between vague, unfocused problem statements and ones that set you up for success.
The full module teaches you practical ways to overcome cognitive biases, when to frame problems as questions vs. statements, and the ideal resource allocation for analytics projects. Skills that help you get stakeholder buy-in and deliver work that actually matters.
Learn practical questions to evaluate what the project is really about and exactly how to structure business problems for analysis.
In the complete module, you'll master the MECE framework for breaking problems into mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive parts. You'll also learn the Five W's method, Fishbone Diagrams, and Pareto Analysis. These are concrete tools that distinguish between addressing symptoms versus solving what actually matters.
Learn a technique called Problem Tree Analysis that maps complexity visually and see it transform a real supply chain challenge.
The full module teaches 11 additional problem-breakdown techniques including Impact-Effort Matrices for prioritization, Three-Finger Summaries for concise problem definition, and Gap Analysis for identifying differences between current and desired states.
Knowing who to talk to is only half the battle. You need specific techniques for extracting the true business need behind vague requests.
The complete module covers Power/Interest Grids and Influence/Impact Matrices for mapping stakeholder relationships. You'll learn to identify hidden influencers and create communication plans that build trust, skills that senior analytics professionals consider essential for career advancement.
See how an overly broad statement ( "How can we regain market share?" ) transformed into an actionable problem that drove measurable results.
These clips provide a glimpse of the comprehensive case study in the full course. The complete module includes detailed stakeholder alignment strategies, AI-driven analytical approaches, and measurement frameworks that produced a 30% boost in customer satisfaction.
| INFORMS Members | Non-Members | Groups / Team / Corporate Learning Needs |
| $29 | $59 | Contact Bill Griffin ([email protected]) |