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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Operations Change Analysis |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | 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. | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. | 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 | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 45-120 min | 1-3 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 2-6 | 2-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline |