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Criterion
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Operations
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
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.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.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
MediumHighMediumLow
Timedifferent
45-90 min2-6 h45-90 min30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
2-53-102-82-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisFMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation ActionsDecision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected OptionFishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog
Tagsno overlap
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause
DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs
Root causeQualityOperations
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