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Selected:A3 Problem SolvingATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Lean StartupFailure Mode and Effects Analysis
| Criterion | ![]() Operations A3 Problem Solving | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Innovation Lean Startup | ![]() Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 2-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + 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 | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | LeanStartupValidationMVP | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |



