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| Criterion |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Operations Change Analysis |  Architecture arc42 |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For a deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 45-120 min | 1-2 Tage | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 2-6 | 1-4 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisOptions | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |