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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration for Theory of Constraints.
Operations
Theory of Constraints
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration for Bottleneck Analysis.
Operations
Bottleneck 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.For a system that does not get faster despite effort, the method directs attention to the bottleneck. It concentrates improvement on the point that actually limits throughput.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.For a flow that backs up at one point, the method looks for the capacity limit with the greatest leverage. It explains why extra effort elsewhere barely improves throughput.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h2-4 h Analyse, laufend45-90 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-123-122-53-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsConstraint Map, Improvement Plan, Flow MetricsA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisBottleneck Map, Flow Metrics, Improvement Options, Follow-up Measures
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
OperationsConstraintsFlowImprovement
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
FlowMeasurementConstraints
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