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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Operations Barrier Analysis |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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 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. | The Iceberg Model separates visible events from patterns, structures, and mental models. This turns a single observation into a deeper understanding of why a problem keeps recurring. | 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 | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 2-4 h | 30-60 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-6 | 2-10 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions |
Tagsno overlap | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | Root causeSafetyIncident | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline |