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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Engineering Golden Path |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Operations ALPEN Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When teams need a reliable default path for frequent use, sprawl quickly emerges without any guiding logic. Golden Path bundles the preferred path so good practice becomes easy and deviation becomes deliberate. | GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-3 Tage Setup, laufend | 1-3 h | 10-20 min daily |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-8 | 2-8 | 1 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Golden Path Guide, Templates, Quality Checks | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | EngineeringProductivityGovernance | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations |