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When you're assigned to a project,   do you find it challenging to visualize  what the future state looks like or to   get stakeholders to articulate requirements?  If so, you need to perform a gap analysis. Hi, everyone I'm Dr. White. The  founder of The Business Analysis   Doctor. Today we’ll be discussing how  to perform a gap analysis. But before   we get started in be sure to subscribe and  like this video if you find it helpful!!!! A gap analysis is a fundamental component of  any business analysis activity. It serves as a   roadmap to the requirement elicitation process.  So let’s talk about what a gap analysis is. What is a Gap Analysis: As gap analysis is an analysis of the current  state, the definition of the future state,   and the events or activities that need to happen   in order to transition from the  current to the future state. The function of the gap analysis is to  identify the gaps that are preventing   the business from achieving  the goals in the future state. It can help scope the type of changes  that are needed as well as areas where   new requirements and capabilities  will need to be implemented. The output of the gap analysis is usually a change   strategy, which will outline the  requirements of the initiative. Steps to Perform a Gap  Analysis in Business Analysis: Step 1 - Define the problem you are  trying to solve or the opportunity,   you want to take advantage of. Step 2 - Determine the business goals,   objectives, and outcomes. These  are your business requirements. From a BA perspective, these will come from  the stakeholders, however, you want to ensure,   these items, are clearly articulated, that there  is a shared understanding of these items and   that the objectives are measurable. Step 3 - Analyze the current state –  This can be done in a few different ways. To prepare yourself, start with a document  analysis of any available process maps,   procedures, job aids, or org charts to give  get some additional content of the situation. Then perform observation or  shadowing activities for all   of the areas involved in the change if possible. Then model or document the current process  focusing on the process related to the initiative. Step 4 - Define the “ideal” future state This should be determined  by stakeholders; however,   the BA should facilitate the discovery of this. Most stakeholders will find  this challenging because they   are inclined to consider the current technology. You will need to encourage them to define the   ideal state if technology and  resources had no limitations. For the stakeholders who are having  challenges navigating through the   ideal stake, a more formal approach such  as a value stream map may be necessary. If the initiative is driven by a problem that  is not fully known, then techniques such as a   root cause analysis may need to be performed  to facilitate defining the future state. Using the same techniques to model or  describe both the current and future   state will simplify the comparison of the two. Step 5 - Identify the Gap Describe the functions and capabilities from the   desired future state that don’t  exist in the current state. This should form a list of the gap items. Classify the gap item by  categories such as resources,   organizational structure,  technology, and functions. After categorizing each item, group  the items based on their category. Items that fall under resources, and structure  will outline transition requirements, while items   categorized as technology and functions will shape  your stakeholder requirements or user stories. Used the items on the list to form a  Change strategy, which will include the key   activities that will need to take place in  order to transition to the future state. Once the change strategy is analyzed and refined,  it will serve as an input for key business   analysis deliverables such as a business case,  BRD, stakeholder requirements, or user stories. In addition to the techniques mentioned  earlier, some additional techniques that   can assist in performing a gap analysis  include a SWOT analysis, Mckinsey 7S,   business capability analysis,  brainstorming, or risk analysis. Well, there you have it, folks! Those are  the 5 steps to perform a gap analysis in   business analysis. I hope you can  use this information on your next   project to make your business analysis  activities just a little healthier. Be sure to check out our website thebadoc.com I hope you all have a productive and prosperous  week, and I wish you the best until next time!  bye now