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| Criterion |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | 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 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 | High | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 2-8 h | 45-90 min | 30-60 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-5 | 2-10 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality |