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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Decision Making Delphi Method | ![]() Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 knowledge is distributed and direct dominance should be avoided, groups quickly fall under the sway of their opinion leaders. The Delphi Method gathers assessments iteratively and gradually brings expert judgments closer together. | 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. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-4 Wochen | 1-2 h | 60-180 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 6-30 Experten | 1-8 | 4-20 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Expert Forecast, Consensus Range, Assumption Notes | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ForecastingExpertsDecisionStrategy | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | ComplexitySensemakingDecision |



