CPSA CPSA Architecture Decision Making Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

In the iSAQB framework, what is the difference between 'design decisions' and 'architectural decisions'?

Accepted Answer

Architectural decisions have broader impact and are harder to change than typical design decisions

Answer

Design decisions only apply to the UI layer while architectural decisions apply to the backend

Answer

Architectural decisions are made by managers while design decisions are made by developers

Answer

There is no meaningful difference between the two terms

Question 2

When using a decision log, what is the recommended status lifecycle for an ADR?

Accepted Answer

Proposed → Accepted → Deprecated/Superseded

Answer

Draft → Final → Archived → Deleted

Answer

Open → Closed → Re-opened

Answer

Planned → In Progress → Done

Question 3

Which approach helps prevent 'big design up front' while still making sound early architectural decisions?

Accepted Answer

Making architectural decisions just-in-time with enough information to reduce risk, then evolving as knowledge grows

Answer

Fully specifying the entire architecture before writing any code

Answer

Avoiding all architectural documentation to stay agile

Answer

Delegating all structural decisions to individual developers

Question 4

How does risk-driven architecture relate to architectural decision making?

Accepted Answer

It prioritizes architectural decisions that address the highest-priority risks first

Answer

It avoids any architectural approach that has been used in high-risk projects

Answer

It delegates risk management entirely to the project manager

Answer

It defers all architectural decisions until after the risk assessment phase

Question 5

What is the significance of 'context' in an Architecture Decision Record?

Accepted Answer

It describes the situation, forces, and constraints that led to the need for a decision

Answer

It lists the names of team members involved in the decision

Answer

It specifies the programming languages considered for the project

Answer

It describes the physical server infrastructure available

Question 6

Which factor most often leads to poor architectural decisions being made?

Accepted Answer

Incomplete understanding of quality attribute requirements and stakeholder priorities

Answer

Using agile development methodologies

Answer

Having too many experienced architects on the team

Answer

Following established design patterns too closely