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Criterion
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration of a decision table with criteria rows, weighted ratings, and a narrowly leading alternative.
Decision Making
Decision Matrix
Paper fishbone diagram with a measurable effect at the head and six labeled cause branches.
Operations
Fishbone Diagram
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.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.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumLow
Timedifferent
45-90 min45-90 min30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
2-52-82-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisDecision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected OptionFishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog
Tagsno overlap
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs
Root causeQualityOperations
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Kepner-Tregoe
Operations
Kepner-Tregoe
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
Paper illustration for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Operations
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis