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Criterion
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration for Communication Plan
Delivery
Communication Plan
Paper illustration for Alignment Mapping.
Facilitation
Alignment Mapping
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.An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable.When many people need to be informed in parallel and messages would otherwise arrive unevenly or too late, a Communication Plan orders communication reliably. Channels, audiences, and cadences interlock so important information doesn't get lost.When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 h15-45 min45-90 min1-2 h
Participantsdifferent
2-81-32-64-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk NotesADR File, Decision Log, RationaleCommunication Plan, Channel Matrix, Message CadenceAlignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions
Tagsno overlap
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
CommunicationStakeholdersDeliveryPlanning
AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation
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