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| Criterion |  Decision Making Decision Tree |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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 a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 30-60 min | 2-8 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 2-10 | 2-8 | 2-5 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Decision Tree, Option Map, Assumption List | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | DecisionTreeOptions | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |