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Selected:GAP AnalysisAlignment MappingSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Stakeholder Mapping
| Criterion |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Facilitation Stakeholder Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. | 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. | When an initiative depends on many people, interests, and power dynamics, Stakeholder Mapping systematically orders the environment. It shows who influences, who is affected, and where relationship management or safeguarding matters first. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-2 h | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 60–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 4-12 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions | 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 | Stakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange |