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| Criterion |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Innovation Lean Startup |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | 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. | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | For a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 30-120 min | 45-90 min | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 2-8 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 2-5 | 2-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan |
Tagsno overlap | LeanObservationProcessOperations | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | LeanStartupValidationMVP | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations |