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| Criterion |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  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 problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-3 h | 1-2 h | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-8 | 3-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | StrategyAnalysisOptions | Root causeSafetyIncident |