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| Criterion | ![]() Knowledge Modeling Competency Questions | ![]() Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Operations Barrier Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Competency Questions translate a domain model into concrete questions that it must be able to answer. The method keeps the model's scope clean and prevents pretty but useless structures. | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-4 h | 1-3 h | 15-30 min | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-8 | 2-6 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Competency Question Set, Required Concepts, Test Queries, Coverage Matrix | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | OntologyKnowledge graphScopeRequirementsSemantic | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | Root causeSafetyIncident |



