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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Business Strategy Scenario Planning |  Business Strategy GAP 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. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | Scenario Planning opens the view to several plausible futures instead of a single forecast. The method protects strategies from depending on too narrow an expected path. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 10-20 min daily | 0.5-2 Tage | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1 | 4-12 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Scenario Set, Strategic Implications, Robust Options | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | StrategyUncertaintyPlanning | StrategyAnalysisPlanning |