View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  Decision Making Trade-off Analysis |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | With limited resources, quality, speed, cost, and risk almost always compete with each other. Trade-off Analysis makes these tensions explicit and prevents decisions from producing hidden side effects. | For a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 45-120 min | 2-8 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 2-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Trade-off Matrix, Criteria List, Decision Rationale, Accepted Downsides | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | TradeoffsDecisionCriteriaOptions | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
