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Selected:Soft Systems MethodologyLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)Concept MappingFailure Mode and Effects Analysis
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 1-2 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 1-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | 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 | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |