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Criterion
Paper illustration for TOWS Matrix.
Business Strategy
TOWS Matrix
Paper illustration of Decision Rights Mapping with its method-specific working model.
Decision Making
Decision Rights Mapping
Paper illustration for Constraint Analysis.
Decision Making
Constraint Analysis
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
Purposedifferent
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 organizations with many stakeholders, it often blurs who actually decides and who is merely consulted. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Decision Rights matrix and an agreement.When an initiative stalls, the limit often lies not in the idea but in hard or soft boundary conditions. Constraint Analysis separates these limits and shows which of them can actually be shaped.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
MediumMediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h90-180 min30-90 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-104-122-82-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority ActionsDecision Rights Matrix, AgreementConstraint List, Hard/Soft Classification, Option Impact Notes, Decision BoundariesGap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes
Tagsno overlap
StrategyAnalysisOptions
DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility
ConstraintsDecisionPlanningOptions
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
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