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Criterion
Process Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Operations
Process Mapping
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
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.Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 h0.5-3 Tage45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-105-152-5
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement BacklogRich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis
Tagsno overlap
ProcessOperationsImprovement
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Gemba Walk workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Gemba Walk
Paper illustration of a review with planned work, actual event sequence, comparison, and assigned improvement actions.
Operations
After-Action Review
Paper illustration for Cynefin Workshop.
Decision Making
Cynefin Workshop