Previous posts described SWOT and PEST.
Other future posts will deal with the rest of these methods and techniques.
Gap
Analysis
Gap Analysis is a method used
extensively in the process of designing the strategy of an organization. With the use of this method, the gaps between
the present situation and the desired state are defined, in terms of processes,
procedures, technology, systems, human resources, infrastructure and
organizational structure.
The steps to achieve this are:
Step 1. Describe the business goals and
objectives to be achieved. Describe where you want your whole business or business
function or department to go. This could be a long-term plan for the company,
or something more immediate for a particular business function. Consult with
all managers involved, directly or indirectly, with the systems and procedures
of the company or function.
Step 2. Select the basic performance metrics,
quality and quantity criteria, which you will use to monitor your gap analysis
work.
Step 3. Describe the existing business
processes. This could involve all business processes of the company as a whole
or the processes of a specific department or function. This description also
includes identifying the IT systems utilized in the processes you document.
Step 4. Define the desired future
performance position.
Step 5. Measure your current performance.
Step 6. Recognize the gaps between your existing
and the future desired position. This involves identifying the gaps, which are
the differences between your goals and the existing processes, and recommend
remedies. A chart or summary table may be useful in showing the "to
be" and "as is" cases.
Step 7. Design a strategy to achieve the
desired position as described above by bridging all the defined gaps, and for
all processes, procedures, technology, systems, human resources, infrastructure
and organizational structure components identified.
Step 8. Execute the strategy described
in step 7 to achieve the desired position by bridging all the defined gaps, and
by improving the processes, procedures, technology, systems, human resources,
infrastructure and organizational structure.
Step 9. Request feedback on a draft
version of the gap analysis document. The review process might identify
additional gaps and help build awareness and support for your recommendations.
Step 10. Monitor and report progress
achieved.
