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Criterion
Gemba Walk workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Gemba Walk
Paper illustration for Expectation Mapping.
Facilitation
Expectation Mapping
Paper illustration for Standard Work Analysis.
Operations
Standard Work Analysis
Paper illustration for Alignment Mapping.
Facilitation
Alignment 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.When roles, interfaces, or projects fail because of differing expectations, Expectation Mapping surfaces these differences. It shows what each side takes for granted and where the pictures diverge.When the same task is done differently depending on the person, the method exposes the reliable core. It creates comparability without unnecessarily choking off needed latitude.When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
30-120 min45-90 min1-3 h1-2 h
Participantsdifferent
2-63-122-64-12
Formatsame
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Observation Notes, Improvement IdeasExpectation Map, Alignment Notes, AgreementsStandard Work Sheet, Deviation List, Improved Standard, Training NeedsAlignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions
Tagsno overlap
LeanObservationProcessOperations
AlignmentStakeholdersTeam
LeanProcessQuality
AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation
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