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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Operations Change Analysis |  Systems Thinking Stock and Flow Diagram |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. | For a deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise. | A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics. | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45-120 min | 2-6 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 2-6 | 1-6 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |