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| Criterion |  Facilitation Dot Estimation |  Decision Making Constraint Analysis |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When size or effort can only be estimated roughly, Dot Estimation condenses the group's experience into a quick range. It turns individual contributions into a visible selection. The result is captured as an Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, and Discussion Targets. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 5-20 min | 30-90 min | 1-3 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-20 | 2-8 | 2-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, Discussion Targets | Constraint List, Hard/Soft Classification, Option Impact Notes, Decision Boundaries | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions |
Tagsno overlap | EstimationEffortRisk | ConstraintsDecisionPlanningOptions | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | StrategyAnalysisOptions |