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Criterion
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration of Strategic-Tactical-Operational Planning with its method-specific working model.
Business Strategy
Strategic, Tactical and Operational Planning
Purposedifferent
An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable.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.It places decisions and artifacts at the right level. Strategic planning clarifies direction, tactical planning translates it into programs, and operational planning steers concrete processes.
Complexitydifferent
LowHighMedium
Timedifferent
15-45 minSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope90-180 min
Participantsdifferent
1-3Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders4-12
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
ADR File, Decision Log, RationalePrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsPlanning Levels Map, Cadence Model, Planning Artifact Inventory
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
CadenceGovernanceExecution
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Four paper stations connect system purpose, quality goals, risk cards and focused investigation with a target and gap profile.
Architecture
LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)
Paper illustration of Strategy Execution Loop with its method-specific working model.
Business Strategy
Strategy Execution Loop
Views and Beyond method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Views and Beyond