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Selected:Current Reality TreeATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Causal Loop DiagramFailure Mode and Effects Analysis
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. | 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. | 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. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 1-3 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 2-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |