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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Facilitation Expectation Mapping | ![]() Operations Barrier Analysis | ![]() Facilitation Alignment Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When roles, interfaces, or projects fail because of differing expectations, Expectation Mapping surfaces these differences. It shows what each side takes for granted and where the pictures diverge. | 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. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 45-90 min | 2-4 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-12 | 2-6 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Expectation Map, Alignment Notes, Agreements | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | AlignmentStakeholdersTeam | Root causeSafetyIncident | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation |



