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| Criterion | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Operations Family Tree Analysis | ![]() Operations MORT Analysis | ![]() 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 series of incidents with a similar pattern, the method arranges individual events as branches of a common origin. It makes visible which conditions keep recurring. | For a safety-relevant event or a system with high protection requirements, the method examines where controls failed. It exposes both technical and organizational gaps. | 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 | 2-4 h | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 2-6 | 2-6 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Family Tree Diagram, Pattern Notes, Systemic Measures | MORT Worksheets, Findings per Branch, Corrective Actions, Systemic Recommendations | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | Root causePatternsIncidentSystemic | Root causeSafetySystemicIncident | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |



