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| Criterion |  Operations Kaizen Event |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a tightly scoped process segment with noticeable waste, the method bundles shared energy for change. It suits situations that call for fast learning loops and visible adjustments. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | 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 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 | Medium | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 0.5-5 Tage | 0.5-3 Tage | 45-90 min | 2-8 h |
Participantsdifferent | 4-10 | 5-15 | 2-5 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan |
Tagsno overlap | LeanContinuous improvementOperations | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations |