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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Pareto Analysis |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Operations Fishbone Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | In many problem situations, effect is distributed unequally across many causes. A Pareto Analysis separates the few drivers with high leverage from the long remainder and focuses attention on what measurably moves the needle. | 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. | When a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 30-60 min | 10-20 min daily | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-6 | 1 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Pareto Chart, Top Causes, Focus List | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Fishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | PrioritizationQualityFocusRoot cause | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | Root causeQualityOperations |