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Criterion
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Paper illustration of System Dynamics Simulation with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
System Dynamics Simulation
Paper illustration for Current Reality Tree
Systems Thinking
Current Reality Tree
Paper illustration for Causal Factor Analysis.
Operations
Causal Factor Analysis
Purposedifferent
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.System Dynamics Simulation makes assumptions about time, delay, and feedback testable through experiments. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a simulation model and scenario reports.A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once.For an event with a complicated course, the method breaks down the contributing factors along the timeline. It shows how conditions, decisions, and reactions together produce a course of events.
Complexitydifferent
LowHighHighHigh
Timedifferent
15-30 minMehrere Tage bis Wochen2-6 h2-6 h
Participantsdifferent
2-61-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron3-83-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopAsyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresSimulation Model, Scenario ReportsCurrent Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention IdeasEvent Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis
Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality
CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline
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