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| Criterion |  Decision Making Decision Matrix |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic. | 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. | 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. | When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-2 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 5-15 | 1-8 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Decision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | SensemakingDecisionRationale |