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| Criterion |  Architecture C4 Model |  Business Strategy VRIO Framework |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  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. | 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. | 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. | 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 | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 90-180 min | 15-45 min | Half day |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 3-6 | 1-3 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | VRIO Table, Strategic Actions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Value Chain Map, Lever List |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | StrategyDiagnosisBusiness modelCapability | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | StrategyBusiness modelDiagnosisAnalysis |