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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) | ![]() Decision Making Force Field Analysis | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Operations 8D Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | In change initiatives, supporting and restraining forces sit at the table at the same time. Force Field Analysis makes these tensions explicit and shows where change can be pushed forward by strengthening or relieving. | 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 an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 45-90 min | 15-30 min | 1-6 Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 3-12 | 2-6 | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | 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 | Force Field Map, Change Levers, Risk Notes | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | ChangeDecisionStrategy | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause |



