GAP Analysis is a methodology to identify gaps between the current state and the desired state in an organization.

What is GAP Analysis?

GAP Analysis is a methodology that identifies and analyzes differences between an organization’s current state and its desired state, providing a basis for improvement planning.

GAP Analysis Types

By Area

  • Security GAP: Security gap analysis
  • Compliance GAP: Compliance gap analysis
  • Process GAP: Process gap analysis
  • Technology GAP: Technology gap analysis

By Level

  • Strategic GAP: Strategic analysis
  • Operational GAP: Operational analysis
  • Tactical GAP: Tactical analysis
  • Technical GAP: Technical analysis

Methodology

Phase 1: Preparation

  • Scope Definition: Scope definition
  • Stakeholder Identification: Stakeholder identification
  • Data Collection: Data collection
  • Baseline Establishment: Baseline establishment

Phase 2: Analysis

  • Current State Assessment: Current state assessment
  • Desired State Definition: Desired state definition
  • Gap Identification: Gap identification
  • Impact Analysis: Impact analysis

Phase 3: Planning

  • Prioritization: Prioritization
  • Action Planning: Action planning
  • Resource Allocation: Resource allocation
  • Timeline Development: Timeline development

Tools

Analysis

  • SWOT Analysis: SWOT analysis
  • PEST Analysis: PEST analysis
  • Five Forces: Porter’s five forces
  • Value Chain: Value chain

Assessment

  • Maturity Models: Maturity models
  • Benchmarking: Best practice comparison
  • Risk Assessment: Risk assessment
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis: Cost-benefit analysis

Documentation

  • Gap Matrix: Gap matrix
  • Action Plans: Action plans
  • Roadmaps: Roadmaps
  • Dashboards: Control dashboards

Use Cases

Security

  • Security Posture: Security posture
  • Compliance: Regulatory compliance
  • Risk Management: Risk management
  • Incident Response: Incident response

Processes

  • Process Improvement: Process improvement
  • Quality Management: Quality management
  • Operational Excellence: Operational excellence
  • Change Management: Change management

Technology

  • Technology Assessment: Technology assessment
  • Digital Transformation: Digital transformation
  • IT Strategy: IT strategy
  • Infrastructure Planning: Infrastructure planning

Implementation

Preparation

  • Team Assembly: Team assembly
  • Methodology Selection: Methodology selection
  • Tool Selection: Tool selection
  • Timeline Planning: Timeline planning

Execution

  • Data Collection: Data collection
  • Analysis: Analysis
  • Documentation: Documentation
  • Validation: Validation

Follow-up

  • Action Implementation: Action implementation
  • Progress Monitoring: Progress monitoring
  • Review: Review
  • Continuous Improvement: Continuous improvement

Best Practices

Preparation

  • Clear Objectives: Clear objectives
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Stakeholder engagement
  • Data Quality: Data quality
  • Methodology: Appropriate methodology

Execution

  • Systematic Approach: Systematic approach
  • Objective Analysis: Objective analysis
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage
  • Documentation: Complete documentation

Follow-up

  • Action Plans: Action plans
  • Progress Tracking: Progress tracking
  • Regular Reviews: Regular reviews
  • Continuous Improvement: Continuous improvement

References