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Selected:Root Cause Tree AnalysisFailure Mode and Effects AnalysisReverse BrainstormingLotus Blossom
| Criterion |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |  Innovation Reverse Brainstorming |  Innovation Lotus Blossom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. | For persistent errors or blockages, the method shifts the view to the opposite of the desired effect. It exposes the mechanics of failure and makes hidden causes easier to grasp. This makes improvement more concrete and the problem clearer. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 2-6 h | 30-60 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-10 | 3-12 | 3-10 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | Reverse Ideas, Risk Themes, Solution Ideas | Lotus Diagram, Idea Themes, Shortlist |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityRisk | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityDivergenceWorkshop |