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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Facilitation Decision Jam |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 a decision is stuck, Decision Jam loosens the knot through structured separation of problem, idea, and selection. The format creates movement without jumping prematurely at the first seemingly elegant answer. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. | For a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 60-90 min | 15-30 min | 2-8 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 4-10 | 2-6 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Problem Cluster, Prioritized Challenge, Experiment | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | FacilitationDecisionProblem solvingWorkshop | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations |