Which of the following should most likely be included in a problem statement?

A well-constructed problem statement serves as a foundation for effective decision-making and solution development. Including success criteria in a problem statement is essential because it outlines what successful resolution of the problem will look like. This helps ensure that all stakeholders share a common understanding of the expected outcomes and can evaluate whether the problem has been effectively addressed.

Success criteria can define measurable indicators of success, such as improvements in performance metrics or satisfaction levels. This clear framing allows teams to stay focused and aligned on the goals they aim to achieve in the face of the problem. Establishing these criteria from the outset facilitates the tracking of progress and enables a more structured approach to assessing the effectiveness of solutions applied to the problem.

Other options, such as the results of analysis or root causes, may be relevant to discussions about the problem but do not directly establish the desired outcomes of addressing the problem, which is the primary focus of a good problem statement. Meanwhile, addressing "the so whats" typically relates to communicating the significance of the problem rather than clarifying the criteria for success in resolving it.