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| Criterion |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |  Operations 5 Whys |  Innovation Lotus Blossom |  Operations Root Cause Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. | When a central question feels too large, the method breaks it into neighboring topic fields with their own depth of ideation. It holds structure and openness at the same time, so adjacent perspectives don't get lost. This grows an idea space out of a core problem. | When a problem keeps recurring and the cause stays unclear, the method exposes the underlying mechanism. It separates symptom, guess, and robust explanation from one another. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 15-30 min | 45-90 min | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-6 | 3-10 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Lotus Diagram, Idea Themes, Shortlist | Problem Statement, Cause Hypotheses, Confirmed Causes, Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityDivergenceWorkshop | Root causeProblem solvingQualityIncident |