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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  Facilitation Dot Estimation |  Operations Fault Tree Analysis |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. | When size or effort can only be estimated roughly, Dot Estimation condenses the group's experience into a quick range. It turns individual contributions into a visible selection. The result is captured as an Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, and Discussion Targets. | For a critical top event with several possible triggers, the method logically models failure paths. It makes visible which combinations of conditions can lead to damage. | 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 | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 5-20 min | 2-6 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-20 | 3-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, Discussion Targets | Fault Tree, Critical Paths, Cause Hypotheses, Control Actions | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | EstimationEffortRisk | RiskRoot causeSafety | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |