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Criterion
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration of Strategy Execution Loop with its method-specific working model.
Business Strategy
Strategy Execution Loop
Purposedifferent
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.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 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
HighLowHigh
Timedifferent
Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope15-45 minInitial 3-6 h, then monthly or quarterly reviews
Participantsdifferent
Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders1-35-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsADR File, Decision Log, RationaleExecution Loop, Review Cadence, Strategic Learning Log
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
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