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| Criterion | ![]() Operations ABC Analysis | ![]() Operations Ivy Lee Method | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Operations Root Cause Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 a restless workday full of too many open items, the method creates radical simplicity. It directs attention to a short sequence instead of a broad, still-open field. | 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. | When a problem keeps recurring and the cause stays unclear, the method exposes the underlying mechanism. It separates symptom, guess, and robust explanation from one another. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 5-10 min daily | 15-30 min | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 1 | 2-6 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ABC Classification, Focus Rules, Control List | Daily Priority List, Completion Notes | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Problem Statement, Cause Hypotheses, Confirmed Causes, Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | PrioritizationOperationsPortfolio | PrioritizationProductivityExecution | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | Root causeProblem solvingQualityIncident |



