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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Engineering Golden Path |  Operations Kaizen Event |  Operations ALPEN Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 tightly scoped process segment with noticeable waste, the method bundles shared energy for change. It suits situations that call for fast learning loops and visible adjustments. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1-3 Tage Setup, laufend | 0.5-5 Tage | 10-20 min daily |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 2-8 | 4-10 | 1 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Golden Path Guide, Templates, Quality Checks | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | EngineeringProductivityGovernance | LeanContinuous improvementOperations | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations |