GAP ANALYSIS
Charles François (2004). GAP ANALYSIS, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(1): 1386.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1386 ▶ |
| Object type | Methodology or model |
A “planning technique used to analyse if and where any gap may occur between plans and reality” (I.G. BLOOR, 1987, p.17).
BLOOR presents the technique as a financial one. It seems however that it could offer quite a wider scope. He writes that any gap “may be attributed to many factors, such as changes in volumes of sales, obsolescence in equipment, product or service or any market forces aspects” (Ibid) He defines “gap closing methods”.
Gap analysis seems applicable more generally to any possible difference between defined goals and real situations, in the activity of any kind of organizations. Examples could be the evaluation of schooling systems, sanitary systems, traffic systems, etc.