View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
Selected:PERT EstimationCausal Factor AnalysisFailure Mode and Effects AnalysisRoot Cause Tree Analysis
| Criterion |  Decision Making PERT Estimation |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | On complex initiatives, a plain average tends to understate just how uncertain the outcome really is. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a PERT Estimate, Expected Value, and Risk Notes. | For an event with a complicated course, the method breaks down the contributing factors along the timeline. It shows how conditions, decisions, and reactions together produce a course of events. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 2-6 h | 2-6 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 3-10 | 3-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PERT Estimate, Expected Value, Risk Notes | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | EstimationUncertaintyRisk | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality |