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| Criterion |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Operations After-Action Review |  Operations Process Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-120 min | 1-2 h | 20-45 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 1-8 | 3-12 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | LeanObservationProcessOperations | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | LearningOperationsImprovement | ProcessOperationsImprovement |