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| Criterion |  Decision Making Decision Tree |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For decisions with follow-on paths and dependencies, a linear comparison is often not enough. A Decision Tree shows how options branch under conditions and which consequences hang on each branch. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 10-20 min daily | 1-3 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 1 | 2-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Decision Tree, Option Map, Assumption List | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | DecisionTreeOptions | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality |