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| Criterion |  Decision Making Constraint Analysis |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When an initiative stalls, the limit often lies not in the idea but in hard or soft boundary conditions. Constraint Analysis separates these limits and shows which of them can actually be shaped. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 5-15 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Constraint List, Hard/Soft Classification, Option Impact Notes, Decision Boundaries | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes |
Tagsno overlap | ConstraintsDecisionPlanningOptions | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | RationaleKnowledgeDecision |
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