A strategic planning tool that compares current performance or capabilities with desired future state to identify deficiencies or opportunities for improvement. It helps organizations understand what needs to be addressed to achieve their goals.
From 'gap' (Middle English 'gappe' meaning 'opening' or 'breach') combined with 'analysis' (Greek 'analyein' meaning 'to examine'). The business methodology emerged in the 1960s as part of strategic planning frameworks, helping organizations systematically identify differences between current and desired states.
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