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| Criterion |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |  Operations 5 Whys |  Business Strategy Strategy Execution Loop |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The Strategy Execution Loop helps avoid treating strategy as a one-off document. It makes visible how strategic decisions are turned into objectives, initiatives, operational work, measurement, and learning. | 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 | High | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-8 h | 15-30 min | Initial 3-6 h, then monthly or quarterly reviews | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-6 | 5-12 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Execution Loop, Review Cadence, Strategic Learning Log | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | ExecutionCadenceLearningGovernance | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |