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Selected:TOWS MatrixArchitecture Decision RecordForce Field AnalysisSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)
| Criterion |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Force Field Analysis |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | In change initiatives, supporting and restraining forces sit at the table at the same time. Force Field Analysis makes these tensions explicit and shows where change can be pushed forward by strengthening or relieving. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 15-45 min | 45-90 min | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-3 | 3-12 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Force Field Map, Change Levers, 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 |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisOptions | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ChangeDecisionStrategy | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality |