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| Criterion | ![]() Operations After-Action Review | ![]() Operations Fault Tree Analysis | ![]() Operations Process Mapping | ![]() Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 critical top event with several possible triggers, the method logically models failure paths. It makes visible which combinations of conditions can lead to damage. | With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 20-45 min | 2-6 h | 1-3 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-8 | 3-10 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | Fault Tree, Critical Paths, Cause Hypotheses, Control Actions | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | LearningOperationsImprovement | RiskRoot causeSafety | ProcessOperationsImprovement | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |



