methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Paper illustration for TOWS Matrix.
Business Strategy
TOWS Matrix
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 RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.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.
Complexitysame
MediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 h1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung1-2 h
Participantsdifferent
2-83-20 Reviewer3-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk NotesRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsTOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions
Tagsno overlap
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
StrategyAnalysisOptions
Add more methods

Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Constraint Analysis.
Decision Making
Constraint 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 of Decision Rights Mapping with its method-specific working model.
Decision Making
Decision Rights Mapping