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Selected:Current Reality TreeSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Causal Loop DiagramChange Analysis
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Operations Change 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. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | 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 deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-3 h | 45-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 2-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison |