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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Kepner-Tregoe | ![]() Innovation Reverse Brainstorming | ![]() Innovation Morphological Analysis | ![]() Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 persistent errors or blockages, the method shifts the view to the opposite of the desired effect. It exposes the mechanics of failure and makes hidden causes easier to grasp. This makes improvement more concrete and the problem clearer. | For a search for solutions with many degrees of freedom, a grid emerges for systematic combinations. The method separates features, variants, and exclusion criteria, so the space gets explored deliberately. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 2-8 h | 30-60 min | 1-3 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-12 | 2-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | Reverse Ideas, Risk Themes, Solution Ideas | Morphological Box, Concept Combinations, Idea Shortlist | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityRisk | IdeationInnovationCreativity | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |



