Systematic Reliable Neutral Objective (not biased)(I) General statement of the problem ➔ (ii) understanding the nature of the problem, e.g. Through discussion with those knowledgeable ➔ (iii) Survey available literature ➔ (iv) Refine or rephrase the research problem (more specific formulation e.g., having objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound (SMART)