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Criterion
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration for ALPEN Method
Operations
ALPEN Method
Paper illustration for Trade-off Analysis.
Decision Making
Trade-off Analysis
Paper illustration of a decision table with criteria rows, weighted ratings, and a narrowly leading alternative.
Decision Making
Decision Matrix
Purposedifferent
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.With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time.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.When several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
45-90 min10-20 min daily45-120 min45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-512-82-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisDaily Plan, Time Estimates, Review NotesTrade-off Matrix, Criteria List, Decision Rationale, Accepted DownsidesDecision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option
Tagsno overlap
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations
TradeoffsDecisionCriteriaOptions
DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs
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