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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Causal Factor Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Leverage Points | ![]() Operations Barrier Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Leverage Points show exactly where interventions in a system produce a disproportionate effect. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a leverage map and action strategy. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | Half day | 2-4 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 3-12 | 2-6 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | Leverage Map, Action Strategy | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | Systems thinkingChangeStrategy | Root causeSafetyIncident | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |



