Problem Tree or Issues Tree

Problem trees state the problem statement as the first level of the tree and then causes of this problem statement branch out into the second level of branches and so forth. This approach of problem definition and dissection is used by management consulting and operational consulting firms in mapping out the problem areas or causes of under performance in certain business areas. The problem tree is very similar to a potential problem analysis but not as lengthy and is intended to generate discussion or brainstorming among the management team and business or process improvement team on potential causes of that eventually lead to the problem statement.