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Selected:Kepner-TregoeATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)A3 Problem SolvingFailure Mode and Effects Analysis
| Criterion |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. | 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. | 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. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 2-8 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 45-90 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 2-5 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |