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| Criterion |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Product Strategy Impact 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. | 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. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-2 h | 10-20 min daily | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-10 | 1 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Impact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery Options |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | StrategyAnalysisOptions | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning |