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| Criterion | ![]() Operations ALPEN Method | ![]() Operations After-Action Review | ![]() Agile Start Stop Continue | ![]() Agile 4Ls Retrospective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | When a team wants to deliberately adjust its working behavior, it makes habits visible and assessable. It focuses on concrete changes instead of diffuse mood. | When a sprint should not only be assessed but also learned from, it captures experience in clear learning categories. It records what worked, what's missing, and what should run differently next time. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 10-20 min daily | 20-45 min | 30-60 min | 45–75 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1 | 3-12 | 3-12 | Team members involved |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | Start Stop Continue Board, Improvement Actions | 4Ls Board, Learning Themes, Improvement Actions |
Tagsno overlap | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | LearningOperationsImprovement | RetrospectiveImprovementTeamReflection | RetrospectiveLearningReflectionTeam |



