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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Engineering Golden Path |  Operations DMAIC |  Operations Waste Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 teams need a reliable default path for frequent use, sprawl quickly emerges without any guiding logic. Golden Path bundles the preferred path so good practice becomes easy and deviation becomes deliberate. | For a process problem with fluctuating performance, the method brings analysis and improvement into a disciplined sequence. It creates a framework in which numbers, causes, and control come together. | For a process that keeps people busy but creates little value, the method exposes waste. It directs attention to unnecessary movement, waiting times, rework, and overdelivery. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1-3 Tage Setup, laufend | 2-12 Wochen | 45-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 2-8 | 3-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Golden Path Guide, Templates, Quality Checks | Project Charter, Measurement Plan, Cause Analysis, Control Plan | Waste Map, Prioritized Waste, Improvement Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | EngineeringProductivityGovernance | Continuous improvementQualityProcess improvement | WasteLeanProcess improvement |