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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  Decision Making Trade-off Analysis |  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. | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. | With limited resources, quality, speed, cost, and risk almost always compete with each other. Trade-off Analysis makes these tensions explicit and prevents decisions from producing hidden side effects. | 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 | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 45-120 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 2-8 | 2-8 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Trade-off Matrix, Criteria List, Decision Rationale, Accepted Downsides | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | TradeoffsDecisionCriteriaOptions | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking |