Gap Analysis
Table of Contents
Overview
Gap analysis systematically compares current capabilities with desired future state, revealing what needs to change and what investments are required.
When to Use
- Strategic planning and goal setting
- Technology modernization assessment
- Process improvement initiatives
- Skills and training planning
- System evaluation and selection
- Organizational change planning
- Capability building programs
Quick Start
Minimal working example:
# Systematic gap identification
class GapAnalysis:
GAP_CATEGORIES = {
'Business Capability': 'Functions organization can perform',
'Process': 'How work gets done',
'Technology': 'Tools and systems available',
'Skills': 'Knowledge and expertise',
'Data': 'Information available',
'People/Culture': 'Team composition and mindset',
'Organization': 'Structure and roles',
'Metrics': 'Ability to measure performance'
}
def identify_gaps(self, current_state, future_state):
"""Compare current vs desired and find gaps"""
gaps = []
for capability in future_state['capabilities']:
current_capability = self.find_capability(
capability['name'],
current_state['capabilities']
)
if current_capability is None:
// ... (see reference guides for full implementation)Reference Guides
Detailed implementations in the references/ directory:
| Guide | Contents |
|---|---|
| Gap Identification Framework | Gap Identification Framework |
| Gap Analysis Template | Gap Analysis Template |
| Gap Closure Planning | Gap Closure Planning |
| Communication & Tracking | Communication & Tracking |
Best Practices
✅ DO
- Compare current to clearly defined future state
- Include all relevant capability areas
- Involve stakeholders in gap identification
- Prioritize by value and effort
- Create detailed closure plans
- Track progress to closure
- Document gap analysis findings
- Review and update analysis quarterly
- Link gaps to business strategy
- Communicate findings transparently
❌ DON'T
- Skip current state assessment
- Create vague future state
- Identify gaps without solutions
- Ignore implementation effort
- Plan all gaps in parallel
- Forget about dependencies
- Ignore resource constraints
- Hide difficult findings
- Plan for 100% effort allocation
- Forget about change management