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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Operations Root Cause Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | When a problem keeps recurring and the cause stays unclear, the method exposes the underlying mechanism. It separates symptom, guess, and robust explanation from one another. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-6 Wochen | 15-45 min | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 4-10 | 1-3 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Problem Statement, Cause Hypotheses, Confirmed Causes, Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Root causeProblem solvingQualityIncident |