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| Criterion | ![]() Operations ABC Analysis | ![]() Operations ALPEN Method | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Operations Kepner-Tregoe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | With many similar objects of differing economic significance, the method prioritizes effort by effect. It separates what needs regular steering from what rarely needs attention. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | 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 disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 10-20 min daily | 15-30 min | 2-8 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 1 | 2-6 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ABC Classification, Focus Rules, Control List | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan |
Tagsno overlap | PrioritizationOperationsPortfolio | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations |



