Sub-questions and search questions
In the case of more complex problems, it is necessary to subdivide your main question into a number of sub-questions. These sub-questions relate to the different aspects of your main question. Zooming in on these aspects will make answering your main question manageable. The sub-questions will collectively answer your main question.
Example: Fat-free frying
Situation:
Fritura Ltd wishes to fry without using fat. This is enabled by a relatively new technology: High Tech Frying. The company is active in the market for pre-fried snacks.
Main question:
What influence does the implementation of High Tech Frying by Fritura Ltd have on its competitive position?
Possible sub-questions:
- What is High Tech Frying?
- What does the market for pre-fried snacks consist of?
- What does Fritura Ltd do?
- What influence could High Tech Frying have on the company’s trading result?
- What are the potential effects of implementation on its competitive position?
Sometimes, sub-questions can be further specified in search questions. Search questions for sub-question 1 could include:
- What does High Tech Frying involve?
- Wat zijn de toepassingsgebieden van High Tech Frying?
- What are the benefits of High Tech Frying? What are its disadvantages?
You could also translate the other sub-questions into search questions.
You will see that a seemingly simple question could entail many sub-questions and search questions. It can quickly become more complex than you thought. This is also the case in this example. If you do not have enough time or resources, try to further define your question or consider a different subject.
