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| Criterion |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 10-20 min daily | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 1 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |