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| Criterion | ![]() Decision Making Pareto Analysis | ![]() Architecture arc42 | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 1-2 Tage | 15-30 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 1-4 | 2-6 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Pareto Chart, Top Causes, Focus List | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | PrioritizationQualityFocusRoot cause | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality |



