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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Gemba Walk workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Gemba Walk
Paper illustration for Standard Work Analysis.
Operations
Standard Work Analysis
Paper illustration for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Operations
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Purposedifferent
Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely.When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions.When the same task is done differently depending on the person, the method exposes the reliable core. It creates comparability without unnecessarily choking off needed latitude.For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMediumHigh
Timedifferent
1-2 h30-120 min1-3 h2-6 h
Participantsdifferent
3-122-62-63-10
Formatsame
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsObservation Notes, Improvement IdeasStandard Work Sheet, Deviation List, Improved Standard, Training NeedsFMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
LeanObservationProcessOperations
LeanProcessQuality
RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause
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