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| Criterion |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |  Operations 5 Whys |  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 a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | 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. | 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 | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 2-8 h | 1-3 h | 15-30 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-8 | 2-6 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tags1 shared | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |