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Selected:System Dynamics SimulationStock and Flow DiagramSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Causal Loop Diagram
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking System Dynamics Simulation |  Systems Thinking Stock and Flow Diagram |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics. | 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 Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | 2-6 h | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron | 1-6 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Simulation Model, Scenario Reports | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses | 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 | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |