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Selected:ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Soft Systems MethodologyStakeholder MappingLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)
| Criterion | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Facilitation Stakeholder Mapping | ![]() Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | 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. | LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 0.5-3 Tage | 60–90 min | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional |
Participantsdifferent | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 5-15 | 2-8 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Stakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk Notes | Lean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checks |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean |



