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Criterion
Gemba Walk workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Gemba Walk
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Paper illustration for Weekly Review.
Operations
Weekly Review
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
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.In a week with many open loops, the method creates distance from operational noise. It organizes commitments, calendar, and projects so the next week becomes workable.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
LowMediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
30-120 min1-2 h30-60 min45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-61-812-5
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Observation Notes, Improvement IdeasConcept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsUpdated Task System, Weekly Focus, Next ActionsA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis
Tagsno overlap
LeanObservationProcessOperations
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
ProductivityExecutionPlanning
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
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