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| Criterion | ![]() Business Strategy TOWS Matrix | ![]() Systems Thinking System Dynamics Simulation | ![]() Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram | ![]() Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. | System Dynamics Simulation makes assumptions about time, delay, and feedback testable through experiments. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a simulation model and scenario reports. | 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. | A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | 1-3 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron | 2-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Simulation Model, Scenario Reports | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisOptions | Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality |



