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| Criterion |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |  Innovation Rapid Ideation |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. | When a decision needs to be prepared quickly, the method generates many solution-close variants in a short time. It deliberately relies on pace to undercut self-censorship and perfectionism. This quickly produces a usable field for prioritization and further work. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 2-8 h | 5-20 min | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 2-8 | 1-20 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | Ideenpool, Roh-Shortlist, Cluster | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | BrainstormingIdeationDivergenceSpeed | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |