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| Criterion |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Operations ALPEN Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing. | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. | 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. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 10-20 min daily |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-5 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 1 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | 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 | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations |