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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 Strategy Execution Loop with its method-specific working model.
Business Strategy
Strategy Execution Loop
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.The Strategy Execution Loop helps avoid treating strategy as a one-off document. It makes visible how strategic decisions are turned into objectives, initiatives, operational work, measurement, and learning.
Complexitydifferent
LowHighHigh
Timedifferent
15-45 minSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scopeInitial 3-6 h, then monthly or quarterly reviews
Participantsdifferent
1-3Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders5-12
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
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 investigationsExecution Loop, Review Cadence, Strategic Learning Log
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
ExecutionCadenceLearningGovernance
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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 Strategic-Tactical-Operational Planning with its method-specific working model.
Business Strategy
Strategic, Tactical and Operational Planning
Views and Beyond method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Views and Beyond