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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Operations Process Mapping |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |  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. | With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots. | 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. | 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 | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 2-8 h | 60-180 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-10 | 2-8 | 4-20 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ProcessOperationsImprovement | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | ComplexitySensemakingDecision |