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| Criterion |  Operations Process Mapping |  Innovation Lean Startup |  Operations After-Action Review |  Operations Kaizen Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | 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. | For a tightly scoped process segment with noticeable waste, the method bundles shared energy for change. It suits situations that call for fast learning loops and visible adjustments. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 20-45 min | 0.5-5 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 2-8 | 3-12 | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessOperationsImprovement | LeanStartupValidationMVP | LearningOperationsImprovement | LeanContinuous improvementOperations |