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| Criterion |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |  Facilitation World Café |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a group needs to connect many viewpoints in a short time, World Café creates a calm alternation between closeness and rotation. It sets thinking in motion without forcing the conversation into full-plenary rigidity. | 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. | When a controversial topic needs depth and discipline at the same time, Fishbowl Discussion makes the structure of the conversation transparent. The format keeps the core small enough for real dialogue and open enough for controlled turnover. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-8 h | 60-180 min | 45-90 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 12-100+ | 2-5 | 8-80 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | Table Notes, Emergent Themes, Shared Questions | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions |
Tagsno overlap | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | FacilitationDialogueLarge groupSensemaking | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | FacilitationDialogueLarge group |