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Criterion
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing
Paper fishbone diagram with a measurable effect at the head and six labeled cause branches.
Operations
Fishbone Diagram
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
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.Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it.When a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowLowHigh
Timedifferent
45-90 min45-90 min30-60 min1-6 Wochen
Participantsdifferent
2-52-82-84-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisAssumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning PlanFishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan
Tagsno overlap
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery
Root causeQualityOperations
QualityProblem solvingRoot cause
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