CPSA CPSA Architecture Decision Making Questions and Answers 1

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of an Architecture Decision Record (ADR)?

Accepted Answer

To document the context, decision, and consequences of a significant architectural choice

Answer

An ADR captures the context, the decision made, and its consequences so stakeholders understand why an architectural choice was made.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes an 'architecturally significant requirement' (ASR)?

Accepted Answer

A requirement that has a major impact on the system's architecture

Answer

ASRs are requirements with a measurable, significant impact on the architecture; they directly shape structural decisions.

Question 3

When should an architect revisit a previously made architectural decision?

Accepted Answer

When new context, constraints, or information makes the original rationale invalid

Answer

Architectural decisions should be revisited when their underlying assumptions or constraints change significantly.

Question 4

What is 'architecture erosion' in the context of decision making?

Accepted Answer

The gradual divergence between intended architecture and the implemented system

Answer

Architecture erosion occurs when implementation decisions diverge from the documented architectural intent, often due to ignored constraints.

Question 5

Which technique is most appropriate for comparing multiple architectural options during decision making?

Accepted Answer

Trade-off analysis using weighted criteria

Answer

Trade-off analysis with weighted quality criteria allows architects to systematically compare options against stakeholder priorities.

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