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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  Innovation Lean Startup |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 1-6 Wochen | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 2-8 | 4-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | LeanStartupValidationMVP | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality |