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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Iceberg Model | ![]() Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping | ![]() Operations MORT Analysis | ![]() 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. | Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely. | For a safety-relevant event or a system with high protection requirements, the method examines where controls failed. It exposes both technical and organizational gaps. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 1-2 h | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-10 | 3-12 | 2-6 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | MORT Worksheets, Findings per Branch, Corrective Actions, Systemic Recommendations | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | Root causeSafetySystemicIncident | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |



