Systems Development - Problem Identification

Looking at business over time... In the early stages, as the problem develops, the symptoms may be innocuous and unrecognizable. As the source of the problem grows in severity, so do the symptoms, until the problem becomes alarmingly obvious.

Pick three of the following, and classify them as either a problem or a symptom. If it is a symptom, give two examples of an underlying problem. If it is a problem, give two examples of a possible symptom that might be detectable.

a. Declining profits

b. Defective production process

c. Low quality raw materials

d. Shortfall in cash balances

e. Declining market share

f. Shortage of employees in the accounts payable department

g. shortage of raw material due to a drought in the Midwest.