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Criterion
Paper illustration for Alignment Mapping.
Facilitation
Alignment Mapping
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Stakeholder Mapping
Facilitation
Stakeholder Mapping
Purposedifferent
When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable.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.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.When an initiative depends on many people, interests, and power dynamics, Stakeholder Mapping systematically orders the environment. It shows who influences, who is affected, and where relationship management or safeguarding matters first.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumHighLow
Timedifferent
1-2 h1-3 hSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope60–90 min
Participantsdifferent
4-122-8Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders2-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision QuestionsGap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk NotesPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsStakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk Notes
Tagsno overlap
AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange
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