Process Improvement with Gap Analysis

Charles Kettering, an inventor for General Motors, once said, “A problem well-stated is half-solved.” The gap analysis tool can help you define problems and identify areas for process improvement in clear, specific, achievable terms. It can also help you define where you want to go and how you are going to get there.

This two-day course will give you the skills that you need to perform an effective gap analysis that will solve problems, improve processes, and take your project, department, or organization to the next level.

• Define the term “gap analysis”
• Identify different types of gap analyses
• Perform all stages of the gap analysis process
• Create a gap analysis report

We will spend the first part of the day getting to know other participants and discussing what will take place during the workshop. Students will also have an opportunity to identify their personal learning objectives.

Understanding what Gap Analysis is helps you make the most of it for your organization. This session gives students a definition and a look at the basic processes of gap analysis. It continues with a look at a few customized types of gap analysis for certain situations.

Gap analysis, at first look, appears to be a very simple process. A closer examination reveals certain specific steps that students need to know to ensure a successful gap analysis. This session looks at those steps in depth and provides a template for recording information. A simple gap analysis for a fictional company is provided as an exercise.

Having a complete toolkit can make your gap analysis more effective and efficient. This session gives learners a chance to consider other tools they can make us of, including the five whys, fishbone diagrams, and SWOT analysis. Students will get to practice with these tools during the session.

A gap analysis report provides the means to gather and present your findings from a gap analysis. This session shows students the essential elements of a gap analysis report along with some extra elements they may want to include if the situation dictates.

This session lets students put the rubber to the road with a sample gap analysis they conduct based upon their pre-assignment.

At the end of the course, students will have an opportunity to ask questions and fill out an action plan.