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Gap Analysis

Problem solvingProblem definition

Reference model

Gap Analysis FrameworkA canvas of 6 boxes laid out on a grid of 3 columns and 2 rows: Current State, Desired State, Gaps, Causes, Actions, Measures of Success.Current StateDescribe the existing situationor performance.Desired StateOutline the target situation orperformance.GapsIdentify the discrepanciesbetween current and desiredstates.CausesList potential reasons for thegaps identified.ActionsPropose actions to bridge thegaps.Measures of SuccessDefine how success will bemeasured after actions are taken.

Visual representation of the current state versus desired state.

About this model

A structured approach to assess the differences between current and desired performance levels, often used in strategic planning and performance improvement.

Originator not stated.

How to read it

  • Identify the current state and desired state clearly.
  • Focus on the gaps that are most critical to address.

What this does

Identifies the difference between the current state and desired future state of a process, product, or organization, helping to pinpoint areas for improvement.

When to use it

Use it when you need to understand the discrepancies between where you are and where you want to be, allowing for targeted action plans.

Not when: Do not use it when the current state is unclear or when the desired state is not well-defined, as this may lead to inaccurate conclusions.

What happens next

Develop a targeted action plan to bridge the identified gaps.

Golden thread

Builds on ←

  • Current State Assessment
  • Desired State Definition

Feeds into →

  • Action Plan

Use this tool, free

Sign in to open the worksheet. Your work saves as you type, the AI can draft the parts you have not filled in, and you finish with an analysis and a 30/60/90-day action plan.

Drafted with AI and reviewed by Eccellere on 04/11/2026. Guidance, not advice: apply your own judgement.