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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. | When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 30-120 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1-8 | 2-6 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | SensemakingDecisionRationale | LeanObservationProcessOperations | RationaleKnowledgeDecision |