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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Decision Making Option Framing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. | 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. | In early decisions, alternatives are often still vague, incomplete, or blended together. Option Framing brings every possibility into a comparable form and makes visible which variant actually fits the question. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-2 h | 1-3 h | 45-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-10 | 2-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Option Frames, Assumption Notes, Comparable Shortlist, Decision Inputs |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | StrategyAnalysisOptions | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | OptionsDecision framingStrategyComparison |