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Criterion
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
Paper illustration with architecture components and concrete change tasks for comparison.
Architecture
SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)
Paper illustration of a SWOT matrix with four separated quadrants and marked strategic options.
Business Strategy
SWOT Analysis
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.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.SWOT Analysis arranges strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats into a compact picture of the situation. It keeps internal capabilities and external influences separate before strategic options emerge from them.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighLow
Timedifferent
1-3 hPreparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
2-8Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting3-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk NotesDomain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternativesSWOT matrix, Strategic options, Action list
Tags1 shared
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality
StrategyAnalysisMarketPositioning
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of a six-field PESTLE grid
Business Strategy
PESTLE Analysis
Paper illustration of a two-by-two Ansoff Matrix with four growth directions
Business Strategy
Ansoff Matrix
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration of a Strategy Canvas with several value curves
Business Strategy
Blue Ocean Strategy Canvas