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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture arc42 |  Business Strategy VRIO Framework |  Business Strategy Value Chain Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The C4 Model makes a system legible across several resolution levels, from context down to code. It suits situations where different audiences need to understand the same architecture from different altitudes. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. | 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. | Value Chain Analysis shows where value is created, costs accrue, and differentiation becomes possible along the process. It compares strengths, risks, market logic, and courses of action. The result is captured as a value-chain map and lever list. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-2 Tage | 90-180 min | Half day |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 1-4 | 3-6 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | VRIO Table, Strategic Actions | Value Chain Map, Lever List |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | StrategyDiagnosisBusiness modelCapability | StrategyBusiness modelDiagnosisAnalysis |