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Selected:ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Assumption SurfacingBusiness Model Stress TestVRIO Framework
| Criterion | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Decision Making Assumption Surfacing | ![]() Business Strategy Business Model Stress Test | ![]() Business Strategy VRIO Framework |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it. | A Business Model Stress Test checks how well a business model holds up under pressure and headwinds. It compares strengths, risks, market logic, and courses of action. The result is captured as a stress-test report and action plan per scenario. | The VRIO Framework rates resources and capabilities on whether they are Valuable, Rare, Inimitable, and Organized. It compares strengths, risks, market logic, and courses of action. The result is captured as a VRIO table and strategic actions. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 45-90 min | Half day | 90-180 min |
Participantsdifferent | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 2-8 | 3-8 | 3-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Assumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning Plan | Stress Test Report, Action Plan per Scenario | VRIO Table, Strategic Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery | StrategyBusiness modelRiskDiagnosis | StrategyDiagnosisBusiness modelCapability |



