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Criterion
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Paper illustration for ALPEN Method
Operations
ALPEN Method
Paper fishbone diagram with a measurable effect at the head and six labeled cause branches.
Operations
Fishbone Diagram
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.With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time.When a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers.
Complexitysame
LowLowLow
Timedifferent
15-30 min10-20 min daily30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
2-612-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopAsyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresDaily Plan, Time Estimates, Review NotesFishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations
Root causeQualityOperations
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Root Cause Analysis.
Operations
Root Cause Analysis
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Operations
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis