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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Operations Kaizen Event |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 0.5-5 Tage | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 4-10 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | LeanContinuous improvementOperations | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation |
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
