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Criterion
Paper illustration for TOWS Matrix.
Business Strategy
TOWS Matrix
Paper illustration of a branching impact map with a Why goal at the root, actor circles, How behavior changes and What options.
Product Strategy
Impact Mapping
Paper illustration for ALPEN Method
Operations
ALPEN Method
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.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.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.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 h45-90 min10-20 min daily1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-103-812-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority ActionsImpact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery OptionsDaily Plan, Time Estimates, Review NotesGap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes
Tagsno overlap
StrategyAnalysisOptions
OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning
PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
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