WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ISSUE AND A PROBLEM

The Difference Between an Issue and a Problem

These words are often used as synonymous in the business world They are similar - but have very

different meanings . Most business people would rather face an issue than a problem . An issue can be

resolved quickly - whereas a problem may take a little more Q A and research to resolve

An issue is something that arises that the business has a solution to . The issue may be repetitive -

and the solution may also be the same used each time the issue comes

up Example - in the business of

product distribution . The manufacturer is in Tennessee with a major customer in the New Jersey

market . Trucks will daily make the same trip . Occasionally there have been construction delays on I-

81 in Virginia near Roanoke . There is a parallel highway where the route is detoured to avoid the

delay . That is an issue where the solution is readily available

In the same business a problem could be a bridge om I-95 between Philadelphia and New Jersey is

closed due to weather . That is a problem as there is no on other bridge that can be used to reroute the

product and still make on time delivery . The solution may be to look long term at delivery

requirements and in the event of inclement weather increase deliveries to arrive prior to bad weather

Another solution may be to divert trucks in advance of arriving in the Philadelphia area to possibly stay

on I-81 up...