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| Criterion |  Product Strategy Impact Mapping |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Systems Thinking Theory of Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a goal needs to be connected to several possible paths, it shows chains of impact instead of feature lists. It connects business goal, behavior change, and measures. | A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation. | 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. | Theory of Change translates a desired impact into a traceable chain of change. It makes assumptions, intermediate goals, and measurement points visible before a program is rolled out at scale. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 2-4 h | 1-3 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-8 | 2-8 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Impact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery Options | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Theory of Change Map, Assumptions, Outcome Measures |
Tagsno overlap | OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | ImpactOutcomesSystems thinkingStrategy |