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| Criterion |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  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. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | 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 | 0.5-3 Tage | 2-4 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 5-15 | 2-6 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Root causeSafetyIncident | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |