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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Paper illustration of MORT Analysis with its method-specific working model.
Operations
MORT Analysis
Paper illustration of Family Tree Analysis with its method-specific working model.
Operations
Family Tree Analysis
Purposedifferent
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 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.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 series of incidents with a similar pattern, the method arranges individual events as branches of a common origin. It makes visible which conditions keep recurring.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowHighMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h15-30 minMehrere Tage bis Wochen2-4 h
Participantsdifferent
3-122-62-62-6
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsRoot cause notes, CountermeasuresMORT Worksheets, Findings per Branch, Corrective Actions, Systemic RecommendationsFamily Tree Diagram, Pattern Notes, Systemic Measures
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
Root causeSafetySystemicIncident
Root causePatternsIncidentSystemic
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