View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
Selected:Polarity MappingCausal Factor AnalysisFailure Mode and Effects AnalysisCurrent Reality Tree
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | 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 | Medium | High | High | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 2-6 h | 2-6 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-10 | 3-10 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality |