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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  Innovation Brainstorming |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 30-60 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 4-12 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Idea pool, Theme clusters, Shortlist | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |
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