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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph |  Operations Change Analysis |  Operations Family Tree Analysis |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots. | 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 series of incidents with a similar pattern, the method arranges individual events as branches of a common origin. It makes visible which conditions keep recurring. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 20-45 min | 45-120 min | 2-4 h | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-10 | 2-6 | 2-6 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List | Family Tree Diagram, Pattern Notes, Systemic Measures | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison | Root causePatternsIncidentSystemic | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |