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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Product Strategy OKRs |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Product Strategy SMART Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 strategic direction needs to become measurable, it connects ambition with checkable results. It makes goals connectable to focus and review. | 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 goals are formulated too generally, it brings measurability, direction, and timing into shape. It prevents intentions from staying without clear verification. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1-2 h Setup | 45-90 min | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 2-20 | 2-5 | 1-8 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | OKR set, Measurement plan, Review cadence | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | SMART Goal, Measurement Note, Deadline |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | GoalsAlignmentOutcomesMeasurement | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | GoalsPlanningMeasurementAlignment |