R.L. Ackoffs analysis affords considerable guidance in identifying problem for research. He visualizes five components of a problem.

• R.L. Ackoffs analysis affords considerable guidance in identifying problem for research. He visualizes five components of a problem.

• Research-consumer

• Research-consumer's Objectives

• Alternative Means to Meet the Objectives

• Doubt in Regard to Selection of Alternatives

• There must be One of More environments to which the difficulty or problem pertains