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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Innovation Contradiction Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. | When a system should improve while another measure suffers as a result, the method makes the underlying conflict precisely formulable. It separates the desired effect from its side effect. This makes solutions possible that address the contradiction deliberately instead of half-heartedly. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 45-90 min | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 2-5 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Contradiction Statement, Abstraction Notes, Solution Principles, Concept Ideas |
Tags1 shared | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | ContradictionsInnovationProblem solving |
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