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| Criterion |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations Fault Tree Analysis |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For a critical top event with several possible triggers, the method logically models failure paths. It makes visible which combinations of conditions can lead to damage. | 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. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 2-6 h | 15-30 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 3-8 | 2-6 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Fault Tree, Critical Paths, Cause Hypotheses, Control Actions | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | RiskRoot causeSafety | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |