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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Futures Wheel | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Business Strategy GAP Analysis | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The Futures Wheel helps explore the consequences of a decision, a trend, or a strategic move in a structured way. It makes visible which first, second, and third-order effects could arise from an event. | 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. | GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 60-120 min | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 60-180 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 5-15 | 2-8 | 4-20 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic Signals | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes |
Tagsno overlap | ForesightSystems thinkingSignals | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | ComplexitySensemakingDecision |



