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| Criterion |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Systems Thinking System Dynamics Simulation |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | System Dynamics Simulation makes assumptions about time, delay, and feedback testable through experiments. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a simulation model and scenario reports. | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 1-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | 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 | Simulation Model, Scenario Reports | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |
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