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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Agile Bucket System |  Operations 5 Whys |  Agile Affinity Estimation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a large batch of work needs a fast, rough estimate, it sorts items into predefined size buckets. It sorts work by value, risk, and delivery ability. The result is captured as a Bucketed Backlog, Relative Estimates, and Split Candidates. | 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. | When many tasks need to be classified quickly, it sorts them by perceived effort and similarity. It reduces the effort of fine-grained estimation for large volumes. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 30-90 min | 15-30 min | 30-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 3-12 | 2-6 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Bucketed Backlog, Relative Estimates, Split Candidates | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Affinity Size Map, Grouped Estimates, Unclear Items |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | EstimationBacklogRelative sizing | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | EstimationBacklogRelative sizing |