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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Risk Storming | ![]() Decision Making Pareto Analysis | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Helps clarify architecture context, options, and consequences in concrete terms. It organizes technical context, alternatives, and consequences. The result is captured as an Annotated Diagram, a Prioritized Risk List, and an Action Backlog. | 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. | 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. | 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 | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 60-90 min | 30-60 min | 15-30 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 4-12 | 1-6 | 2-6 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Annotated Diagram, Prioritized Risk List, Action Backlog | Pareto Chart, Top Causes, Focus List | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | 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 | RiskArchitectureWorkshopValidation | PrioritizationQualityFocusRoot cause | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |



