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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Operations Process Mapping |  Agile 4Ls Retrospective |  Operations After-Action Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots. | When a sprint should not only be assessed but also learned from, it captures experience in clear learning categories. It records what worked, what's missing, and what should run differently next time. | After missions or project phases with unclear outcomes, the method makes visible what actually happened and what can be learned from it. It separates course, effect, and causes so experience turns into solid improvement. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1-3 h | 45–75 min | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 3-10 | Team members involved | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | 4Ls Board, Learning Themes, Improvement Actions | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | ProcessOperationsImprovement | RetrospectiveLearningReflectionTeam | LearningOperationsImprovement |