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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations Change Analysis |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  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. | For a deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise. | A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation. | 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 | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 45-120 min | 2-4 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 2-6 | 3-8 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |