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| Criterion |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Decision Making DACI |  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. | 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. | In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated. | 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 | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-2 h | 30-60 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-10 | 2-10 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | DACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | StrategyAnalysisOptions | DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation |