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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 of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing
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.Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it.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 min45-90 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-103-82-82-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority ActionsImpact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery OptionsAssumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning PlanGap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes
Tagsno overlap
StrategyAnalysisOptions
OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning
AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
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