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| Criterion |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Operations Change Analysis |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. | For a deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise. | 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. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 45-120 min | 15-30 min | 1-6 Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 2-6 | 2-6 | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisOptions | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause |