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| Criterion |  Operations Waste Analysis |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a process that keeps people busy but creates little value, the method exposes waste. It directs attention to unnecessary movement, waiting times, rework, and overdelivery. | 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. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | For a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 45-120 min | 45-90 min | 1-2 h | 2-8 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-5 | 1-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Waste Map, Prioritized Waste, Improvement Backlog | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan |
Tagsno overlap | WasteLeanProcess improvement | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations |