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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Decision Making Delphi Method |  Decision Making Argument 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. | GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 1-4 Wochen | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 2-8 | 6-30 Experten | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Expert Forecast, Consensus Range, Assumption Notes | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | ForecastingExpertsDecisionStrategy | SensemakingDecisionRationale |