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Criterion
Paper illustration for ABC Analysis
Operations
ABC Analysis
Paper illustration with architecture components and concrete change tasks for comparison.
Architecture
SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Purposedifferent
With many similar objects of differing economic significance, the method prioritizes effort by effect. It separates what needs regular steering from what rarely needs attention.SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning.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.
Complexitydifferent
LowHighMediumHigh
Timedifferent
30-60 minPreparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope45-90 minSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope
Participantsdifferent
1-5Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting2-5Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
ABC Classification, Focus Rules, Control ListDomain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternativesA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations
Tagsno overlap
PrioritizationOperationsPortfolio
ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
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