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| Criterion |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Decision Making Force Field 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. | A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Low |
Timedifferent | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 2-4 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 3-8 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | 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 | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Force Field Map, Change Levers, Risk Notes |
Tags1 shared | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | ChangeDecisionStrategy |
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