gapanalyses

Gapanalyses, or gap analysis, is a systematic method for comparing current performance, capabilities, or outputs with a defined target or desired state. The aim is to identify gaps that prevent achieving objectives, understand their causes, and inform planning and resource allocation. Gapanalyses can be conducted at organizational, process, project, or product levels.

In practice, it is used across business, information technology, healthcare, education, and public policy to support strategic planning, process improvement, policy compliance, and product development.

The typical process involves defining objectives and scope, mapping the current state, specifying the target state, and identifying the gaps between them. Analysts examine causes of gaps, prioritize them by impact and feasibility, and propose corrective actions, timelines, and accountable owners. Implementation is followed by monitoring using predefined metrics and revisiting the analysis as conditions change.

Gapanalyses employ a range of tools, such as process maps, benchmarking data, root cause analysis, SWOT analyses, and maturity models. Common varieties include strategic gap analysis (organization-level targets), capability or skills gap analysis (workforce or technology), and performance gap analysis (efficiency or quality gaps).

Limitations include data quality issues, misaligned objectives, scope creep, and the risk of focusing on gaps without addressing underlying systems. Effective gapanalyses require stakeholder involvement, clear success criteria, and integration with implementation planning and continuous monitoring.

See also benchmarking, root cause analysis, maturity model, business analysis, performance management.