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| Criterion |  Operations Runbook |  Operations Process Mapping |  Systems Thinking Rich Picture |  Operations After-Action Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For recurring operational tasks or incidents, the method keeps solid action logic ready. It reduces uncertainty when time pressure, role changes, or rare situations demand fast access. | 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. | A Rich Picture brings an unclear situation onto a shared drawing. It captures actors, tensions, information flows, and blind spots before the team jumps to solutions too early. | 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 | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 20-60 min | 1-3 h | 30-90 min | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-4 | 3-10 | 2-10 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Runbook, Checklist, Escalation Path | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary |
Tagsno overlap | OperationsReliabilityDocumentation | ProcessOperationsImprovement | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | LearningOperationsImprovement |