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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  Architecture C4 Model |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. | The C4 Model makes a system legible across several resolution levels, from context down to code. It suits situations where different audiences need to understand the same architecture from different altitudes. | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 1-4 h | 1-3 h | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 1-5 | 2-8 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | Lean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checks |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean |