5W1H and 5W2H Analysis Method
5W1H and 5W2H are practical analysis tools. 5W1H helps clarify the full picture of a problem, while 5W2H focuses on execution with cost and quantity considerations, often applied in business management and project implementation.
Categories
Problem SolvingStrategic Analysis
Target Users
ManagersProject ManagerConsultantsStudents
Applicable
Problem SolvingProject managementQuality improvementStrategic Planning
#5W1H #5W2H #Analysis tool #Management method
π What is the 5W1H and 5W2H Analysis Method?
5W1H and 5W2H are structured analytical tools widely used in journalism, business, project management, and quality control.
- 5W1H: Focuses on understanding a problem from six perspectives β What, Why, When, Where, Who, How.
- 5W2H: Builds on 5W1H by adding How much (cost) and How many (quantity), making it more execution-oriented.
π In short:
- 5W1H = Problem clarification & information gathering
- 5W2H = Planning & execution with cost control
π Origin and Key Figures
- 5W1H Origin: Rooted in journalism, ensuring a complete report of an event. Later adopted in management and analysis.
- 5W2H Origin: Originated in Japanese enterprise management, especially the Toyota Production System, to emphasize cost and quantity in execution.
- Users: Managers, project leaders, quality engineers, consultants.
- Examples:
- Journalists at The New York Times use 5W1H to reconstruct events.
- Toyota used 5W2H in process improvement, clarifying βhow to do it + how much it costs.β
π οΈ How to Use
Steps (5W2H example, 5W1H ends at step 6):
- What β Define the problem or objective
- Why β Explain the reason or necessity
- When β Set the time or deadline
- Where β Specify the place or scope
- Who β Assign responsibilities
- How β Describe the method or process
- How much β Estimate the cost/resources required
- How many β Define the quantity of resources, people, or materials
π‘ Case Studies
- Case 1 (Business context)
A company plans to launch a new product:
- What: A coffee drink for young consumers
- Why: Rising demand for convenient coffee
- When: Within 3 months
- Where: Convenience stores in tier-one cities
- Who: Marketing team
- How: Partner with a factory, promote online & offline
- How much: Budget of $150,000
- How many: First batch of 50,000 bottlesInsight: 5W2H turns abstract ideas into actionable business plans.
- Case 2 (Learning context)
A student preparing a research paper:
- What: A paper on AI in education
- Why: Application for a masterβs degree
- When: Within 2 months
- Where: Library & online databases
- Who: Student and advisor
- How: Literature review + survey
- How much: Around $50 for printing and survey costs
- How many: 100 questionnaires plannedInsight: Even for personal projects, 5W2H clarifies the path to execution.
βοΈ Advantages & Limitations
Advantages
- Structured and comprehensive
- Easy to learn and apply
- Covers both analysis and implementation
Limitations
- May remain superficial for complex issues
- Cost/quantity estimates may be inaccurate in uncertain environments
π Key Takeaway
5W1H clarifies problems; 5W2H ensures execution.