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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |  Product Discovery Assumption Mapping |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | When assumptions still sit unordered in the room, it weighs uncertainty against leverage. It makes visible which hypotheses should be checked first. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1-3 h | 45-60 min | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 2-8 | 2-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | Assumption map, Test backlog, Risk ranking | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | AssumptionsRiskExperimentsValidation | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |