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| Criterion |  Decision Making Constraint Analysis |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 5-15 | 2-8 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | 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 | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | ConstraintsDecisionPlanningOptions | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking |