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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Theory of Change | ![]() Business Strategy Ansoff Matrix | ![]() Product Strategy Impact Mapping | ![]() Business Strategy GAP Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | The Ansoff Matrix organizes growth options by market and product relation. It helps weigh expansion, diversification, and adaptation cleanly against each other. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 45-90 min | 45-90 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 4-12 | 2-8 | 3-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theory of Change Map, Assumptions, Outcome Measures | Ansoff Matrix, Growth Options, Risk Notes | Impact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery Options | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes |
Tags1 shared | ImpactOutcomesSystems thinkingStrategy | GrowthStrategyMarketPortfolio | OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning | StrategyAnalysisPlanning |



