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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Operations Fishbone Diagram |  Knowledge Modeling Concept 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. | When a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 30-60 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 2-8 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Fishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Root causeQualityOperations | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking |
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