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Selected:Theory of Constraints Thinking ProcessATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Causal Loop Diagram
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Theory of Constraints Thinking Process |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The Theory of Constraints Thinking Process exposes a system's bottleneck and the logic behind it. It suits situations where many symptoms trace back to the same limiting relationship. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | 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 | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 4-10 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Current Reality Logic, Conflict Cloud, Future Reality Tree, Implementation Obstacles | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | Theory of ConstraintsConstraintsSystems thinkingCausality | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |
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