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Selected:SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)5 WhysA3 Problem SolvingFailure Mode and Effects Analysis
| Criterion |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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 complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 15-30 min | 45-90 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 2-6 | 2-5 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | 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 | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |