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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |
|---|---|---|
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. | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange |
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