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| Criterion |  Operations After-Action Review |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | After missions or project phases with unclear outcomes, the method makes visible what actually happened and what can be learned from it. It separates course, effect, and causes so experience turns into solid improvement. | 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 an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 20-45 min | 15-30 min | 1-6 Wochen | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 2-6 | 4-10 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | LearningOperationsImprovement | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |