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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Causal Factor Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Intervention Mapping | ![]() Operations Barrier Analysis | ![]() Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | Intervention Mapping translates a need for change into a planned, evaluable program. The method connects target group, determinants, actions, and measurement into a traceable chain. | For a risk that can only be managed through multiple layers of protection, the method examines the effectiveness of each barrier. It shows where safeguards are missing, too weak, or fail under real conditions. | 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 | High | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 1-5 Tage | 2-4 h | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-12 | 2-6 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | Logic Model, Change Objectives, Intervention Components, Evaluation Plan | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | ChangeSystems thinkingCapability | Root causeSafetyIncident | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |



