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| Criterion |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Systems Thinking Theory of Change |  Business Strategy SWOT Analysis |  Business Strategy Ansoff 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. | Theory of Change translates a desired impact into a traceable chain of change. It makes assumptions, intermediate goals, and measurement points visible before a program is rolled out at scale. | SWOT Analysis arranges strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats into a compact picture of the situation. It keeps internal capabilities and external influences separate before strategic options emerge from them. | The Ansoff Matrix organizes growth options by market and product relation. It helps weigh expansion, diversification, and adaptation cleanly against each other. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 2-6 h | 30-60 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 4-12 | 3-12 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Theory of Change Map, Assumptions, Outcome Measures | SWOT matrix, Strategic options, Action list | Ansoff Matrix, Growth Options, Risk Notes |
Tags1 shared | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | ImpactOutcomesSystems thinkingStrategy | StrategyAnalysisMarketPositioning | GrowthStrategyMarketPortfolio |