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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations After-Action Review |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 45-90 min | 20-45 min | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 2-5 | 3-12 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | LearningOperationsImprovement | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |