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Selected:System Dynamics SimulationStakeholder MappingSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Alignment Mapping
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking System Dynamics Simulation |  Facilitation Stakeholder Mapping |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | System Dynamics Simulation makes assumptions about time, delay, and feedback testable through experiments. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a simulation model and scenario reports. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | 60–90 min | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron | 2-8 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Simulation Model, Scenario Reports | Stakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk Notes | 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 | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis | StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation |