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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping | ![]() Decision Making Assumption Surfacing | ![]() Knowledge Modeling Knowledge Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it. | Knowledge Mapping makes knowledge, gaps, and transfer paths visible across a field. It fits when expertise should not just exist but also be findable and transferable. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-2 h | 45-90 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1-8 | 2-8 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Assumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning Plan | Knowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer Plan |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery | KnowledgeMappingRisk |



