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| Criterion |  Decision Making Constraint Analysis |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Systems Thinking Stock and Flow Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. | A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 1-2 h | 1-3 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-10 | 2-8 | 1-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Constraint List, Hard/Soft Classification, Option Impact Notes, Decision Boundaries | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses |
Tagsno overlap | ConstraintsDecisionPlanningOptions | StrategyAnalysisOptions | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking |