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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Knowledge Modeling Knowledge Mapping |  Operations DMAIC |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For an improvement that still has to prove itself in everyday work, the method runs it through small learning loops. It connects planning, checking, and standardization into a repeatable learning mode. | Knowledge Mapping makes knowledge, gaps, and transfer paths visible across a field. It fits when expertise should not just exist but also be findable and transferable. | For a process problem with fluctuating performance, the method brings analysis and improvement into a disciplined sequence. It creates a framework in which numbers, causes, and control come together. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | High |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1-3 h | 2-12 Wochen | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 3-12 | 3-10 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Knowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer Plan | Project Charter, Measurement Plan, Cause Analysis, Control Plan | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | KnowledgeMappingRisk | Continuous improvementQualityProcess improvement | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |