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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Operations Family Tree 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 series of incidents with a similar pattern, the method arranges individual events as branches of a common origin. It makes visible which conditions keep recurring. | 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 | Family Tree Diagram, Pattern Notes, Systemic Measures | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions |
Tagsno overlap | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | Root causePatternsIncidentSystemic | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline |