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Criterion
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Paper illustration of a branching impact map with a Why goal at the root, actor circles, How behavior changes and What options.
Product Strategy
Impact Mapping
Paper illustration of Barrier Analysis with its method-specific working model.
Operations
Barrier Analysis
Purposedifferent
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.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.When a goal needs to be connected to several possible paths, it shows chains of impact instead of feature lists. It connects business goal, behavior change, and measures.For a risk that can only be managed through multiple layers of protection, the method examines the effectiveness of each barrier. It shows where safeguards are missing, too weak, or fail under real conditions.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 h15-30 min45-90 min2-4 h
Participantsdifferent
2-82-63-82-6
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk NotesRoot cause notes, CountermeasuresImpact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery OptionsBarrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog
Tagsno overlap
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning
Root causeSafetyIncident
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