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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 for Pareto Analysis
Decision Making
Pareto Analysis
Paper illustration of a four-quadrant grid with tasks sorted by importance and urgency and translated into actions.
Decision Making
Eisenhower Matrix
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.In many problem situations, effect is distributed unequally across many causes. A Pareto Analysis separates the few drivers with high leverage from the long remainder and focuses attention on what measurably moves the needle.It separates true priorities from noise so it becomes clear what should be done now, scheduled, delegated, or dropped.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
LowLowLowMedium
Timedifferent
15-30 min30-60 min15-30 min45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-61-61-62-5
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresPareto Chart, Top Causes, Focus ListEisenhower Matrix, Action List, Delegation NotesA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
PrioritizationQualityFocusRoot cause
PrioritizationFocusTasks
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
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