Gap Analysis

Table of Contents

• Overview
• When to Use
• Quick Start
• Reference Guides
• Best Practices

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:

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