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Criterion
Iceberg Model method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Iceberg Model
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Paper illustration for Current Reality Tree
Systems Thinking
Current Reality Tree
Purposedifferent
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 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.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
LowLowHigh
Timedifferent
30-60 min15-30 min2-6 h
Participantsdifferent
2-102-63-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention IdeasRoot cause notes, CountermeasuresCurrent Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas
Tags1 shared
Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Causal Factor Analysis.
Operations
Causal Factor Analysis
Paper illustration of Family Tree Analysis with its method-specific working model.
Operations
Family Tree Analysis
Paper illustration for Root Cause Analysis.
Operations
Root Cause Analysis
Paper illustration for Theory of Constraints Thinking Process.
Systems Thinking
Theory of Constraints Thinking Process