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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
Decision Tree method illustration showing its working structure
Decision Making
Decision Tree
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.For decisions with follow-on paths and dependencies, a linear comparison is often not enough. A Decision Tree shows how options branch under conditions and which consequences hang on each branch.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.
Complexitysame
MediumMediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h45-90 min30-90 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-103-81-62-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority ActionsImpact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery OptionsDecision Tree, Option Map, Assumption ListGap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes
Tagsno overlap
StrategyAnalysisOptions
OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning
DecisionTreeOptions
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
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