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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Fishbone Diagram | ![]() Business Strategy GAP Analysis | ![]() Operations Fault Tree Analysis | ![]() Operations ALPEN Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers. | GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing. | 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 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 1-3 h | 2-6 h | 10-20 min daily |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-8 | 3-8 | 1 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Fishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Fault Tree, Critical Paths, Cause Hypotheses, Control Actions | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeQualityOperations | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | RiskRoot causeSafety | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations |



