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| Criterion |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Knowledge Modeling Knowledge Mapping |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Knowledge Mapping makes knowledge, gaps, and transfer paths visible across a field. It fits when expertise should not just exist but also be findable and transferable. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-120 min | 1-2 h | 1-3 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 1-8 | 3-12 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Knowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer Plan | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | LeanObservationProcessOperations | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | KnowledgeMappingRisk | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |