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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Decision Making Delphi Method |  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. | When knowledge is distributed and direct dominance should be avoided, groups quickly fall under the sway of their opinion leaders. The Delphi Method gathers assessments iteratively and gradually brings expert judgments closer together. | 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 | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 45-90 min | 1-4 Wochen | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 2-5 | 6-30 Experten | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Expert Forecast, Consensus Range, Assumption Notes | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | ForecastingExpertsDecisionStrategy | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |