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Criterion
Paper illustration for Dot Estimation.
Facilitation
Dot Estimation
Paper illustration for TOWS Matrix.
Business Strategy
TOWS Matrix
A hypothetical failure makes concrete risks, signals, and fitting mitigations visible.
Decision Making
Pre-Mortem
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
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.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.In early initiatives with many uncertainties, planning quickly turns too optimistic. A pre-mortem makes the expected failure visible in advance and sharpens the view of causes, gaps, and countermeasures.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
LowMediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
5-20 min1-2 h20–45 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-203-10Small cross-functional group2-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, Discussion TargetsTOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority ActionsRisk list, Mitigation plan, Assumption logGap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes
Tagsno overlap
EstimationEffortRisk
StrategyAnalysisOptions
RiskDecisionFailurePlanning
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
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