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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Operations ABC Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Futures Wheel | ![]() Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | With many similar objects of differing economic significance, the method prioritizes effort by effect. It separates what needs regular steering from what rarely needs attention. | The Futures Wheel helps explore the consequences of a decision, a trend, or a strategic move in a structured way. It makes visible which first, second, and third-order effects could arise from an event. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 30-60 min | 60-120 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 1-5 | 3-10 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | ABC Classification, Focus Rules, Control List | Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic Signals | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | PrioritizationOperationsPortfolio | ForesightSystems thinkingSignals | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |



