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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping | ![]() Systems Thinking Intervention Mapping | ![]() Operations Causal Factor Analysis | ![]() Operations Barrier 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. | Intervention Mapping translates a need for change into a planned, evaluable program. The method connects target group, determinants, actions, and measurement into a traceable chain. | 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 risk that can only be managed through multiple layers of protection, the method examines the effectiveness of each barrier. It shows where safeguards are missing, too weak, or fail under real conditions. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 1-5 Tage | 2-6 h | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 4-12 | 3-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Logic Model, Change Objectives, Intervention Components, Evaluation Plan | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ChangeSystems thinkingCapability | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | Root causeSafetyIncident |



