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| Criterion |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations ALPEN Method |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-8 h | 15-30 min | 10-20 min daily |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-6 | 1 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async |
Outputdifferent | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations |
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