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| Criterion |  Operations Process Mapping |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Operations After-Action Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | For an event with a complicated course, the method breaks down the contributing factors along the timeline. It shows how conditions, decisions, and reactions together produce a course of events. | 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. | 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 | Medium | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 2-6 h | 30-120 min | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 3-10 | 2-6 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessOperationsImprovement | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | LeanObservationProcessOperations | LearningOperationsImprovement |