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| Criterion |  Decision Making Pareto Analysis |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | In many problem situations, effect is distributed unequally across many causes. A Pareto Analysis separates the few drivers with high leverage from the long remainder and focuses attention on what measurably moves the needle. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 15-45 min | 1-3 h | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 1-3 | 2-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Pareto Chart, Top Causes, Focus List | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | PrioritizationQualityFocusRoot cause | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |