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| Criterion |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Operations Fault Tree Analysis |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Operations Barrier 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. | For a critical top event with several possible triggers, the method logically models failure paths. It makes visible which combinations of conditions can lead to damage. | 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. | For a risk that can only be managed through multiple layers of protection, the method examines the effectiveness of each barrier. It shows where safeguards are missing, too weak, or fail under real conditions. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 2-6 h | 1-3 h | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 3-8 | 2-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Fault Tree, Critical Paths, Cause Hypotheses, Control Actions | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisOptions | RiskRoot causeSafety | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | Root causeSafetyIncident |