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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) | ![]() Operations ALPEN Method | ![]() Operations After-Action Review | ![]() Operations Change 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. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | After missions or project phases with unclear outcomes, the method makes visible what actually happened and what can be learned from it. It separates course, effect, and causes so experience turns into solid improvement. | 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 | High | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 10-20 min daily | 20-45 min | 45-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 1 | 3-12 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
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 | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | LearningOperationsImprovement | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison |



