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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Process Mapping | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots. | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | 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. | 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 | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | 0.5-3 Tage | 60-180 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 3-8 | 5-15 | 4-20 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessOperationsImprovement | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ComplexitySensemakingDecision |



