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| Criterion |  Operations DMAIC |  Agile Affinity Estimation |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Facilitation Dot Estimation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a process problem with fluctuating performance, the method brings analysis and improvement into a disciplined sequence. It creates a framework in which numbers, causes, and control come together. | When many tasks need to be classified quickly, it sorts them by perceived effort and similarity. It reduces the effort of fine-grained estimation for large volumes. | 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. | When size or effort can only be estimated roughly, Dot Estimation condenses the group's experience into a quick range. It turns individual contributions into a visible selection. The result is captured as an Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, and Discussion Targets. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-12 Wochen | 30-90 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 5-20 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 3-12 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 3-20 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Project Charter, Measurement Plan, Cause Analysis, Control Plan | Affinity Size Map, Grouped Estimates, Unclear Items | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, Discussion Targets |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementQualityProcess improvement | EstimationBacklogRelative sizing | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | EstimationEffortRisk |