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| Criterion |  Decision Making Constraint Analysis |  Operations 5 Whys |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When an initiative stalls, the limit often lies not in the idea but in hard or soft boundary conditions. Constraint Analysis separates these limits and shows which of them can actually be shaped. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. | 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. | GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 15-30 min | 1-2 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-6 | 3-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Constraint List, Hard/Soft Classification, Option Impact Notes, Decision Boundaries | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | ConstraintsDecisionPlanningOptions | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | StrategyAnalysisOptions | StrategyAnalysisPlanning |