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Selected:Soft Systems MethodologyAlignment MappingLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)Stakeholder Mapping
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |  Facilitation Stakeholder Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. | LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail. | When an initiative depends on many people, interests, and power dynamics, Stakeholder Mapping systematically orders the environment. It shows who influences, who is affected, and where relationship management or safeguarding matters first. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-2 h | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 60–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 4-12 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions | Lean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checks | Stakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange |