methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Paper illustration with architecture components and concrete change tasks for comparison.
Architecture
SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
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.GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing.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
HighMediumLowHigh
Timedifferent
Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope1-3 h15-30 min1-6 Wochen
Participantsdifferent
Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting2-82-64-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + 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 alternativesGap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk NotesRoot cause notes, Countermeasures8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
QualityProblem solvingRoot cause
Add more methods