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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 of Family Tree Analysis with its method-specific working model.
Operations
Family Tree Analysis
Paper illustration of MORT Analysis with its method-specific working model.
Operations
MORT Analysis
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
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
LowMediumHighMedium
Timedifferent
15-30 min2-4 hMehrere Tage bis Wochen45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-62-62-62-5
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresFamily Tree Diagram, Pattern Notes, Systemic MeasuresMORT Worksheets, Findings per Branch, Corrective Actions, Systemic RecommendationsA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
Root causePatternsIncidentSystemic
Root causeSafetySystemicIncident
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
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