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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 30-120 min | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-10 | 2-6 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | LeanObservationProcessOperations | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |
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