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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Decision Making Argument Mapping | ![]() Operations MORT Analysis | ![]() Operations Barrier 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. | 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. | For a safety-relevant event or a system with high protection requirements, the method examines where controls failed. It exposes both technical and organizational gaps. | For a risk that can only be managed through multiple layers of protection, the method examines the effectiveness of each barrier. It shows where safeguards are missing, too weak, or fail under real conditions. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1-8 | 2-6 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale | MORT Worksheets, Findings per Branch, Corrective Actions, Systemic Recommendations | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | SensemakingDecisionRationale | Root causeSafetySystemicIncident | Root causeSafetyIncident |



