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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Operations 8D Problem Solving | ![]() Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | 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. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 1-6 Wochen | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 4-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |



