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| Criterion |  Operations Fishbone Diagram |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers. | 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. | 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 | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 30-60 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Fishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeQualityOperations | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |
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