Problem formulation

I'm doing a problem-solving research which is dealing with a real world situation. In dealing with a real world situation, initially the process is the collection of problems or so-called mess. The problem is then analysed. We then need to come out with the mathematical representation (model) of the perceived problem. And in the end, we need to find the solution to the model. Once solution is found, we need to verify it with the users, see whether they agree with our solution.

The hardest part is the formulation of the problem. This is the step where I'm currently at now. Typical of OR problem, we need to maximise or minimise, subject to the constraints. Saying it is easy, but to do it -- it is a hell of a job! Come to think of it, we need to recall what has been done 20 or 30 years back whereby subjects like Calculus, linear algebra came into mind...

There is a saying by Krishnamurti (The Penguin Krishnamurti Reader) as such :

"If we can really understand the problem, the answer will come out of it, because the answer is not separate from the problem"

In my case now, I do understand the problem, but the step towards getting the answer is the challenging part...