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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations After-Action Review |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For an improvement that still has to prove itself in everyday work, the method runs it through small learning loops. It connects planning, checking, and standardization into a repeatable learning mode. | 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. | After missions or project phases with unclear outcomes, the method makes visible what actually happened and what can be learned from it. It separates course, effect, and causes so experience turns into solid improvement. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 45-90 min | 20-45 min | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 2-5 | 3-12 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | LearningOperationsImprovement | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |