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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Futures Wheel |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Decision Making Option Framing |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | In early decisions, alternatives are often still vague, incomplete, or blended together. Option Framing brings every possibility into a comparable form and makes visible which variant actually fits the question. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 60-120 min | 1-2 h | 45-120 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 3-10 | 3-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic Signals | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Option Frames, Assumption Notes, Comparable Shortlist, Decision Inputs | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | ForesightSystems thinkingSignals | StrategyAnalysisOptions | OptionsDecision framingStrategyComparison | StrategyAnalysisPlanning |