View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Iceberg Model | ![]() Operations A3 Problem Solving | ![]() Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree | ![]() Operations Kepner-Tregoe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | High |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 45-90 min | 2-6 h | 2-8 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-10 | 2-5 | 3-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations |



