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Selected:PDCA CycleSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Architecture Decision RecordChange Analysis
| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Operations Change Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | 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 deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 15-45 min | 45-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 1-3 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison |