Analysis and Planning
Gap Analysis
What is a Gap Analysis?
A gap analysis is a structured process used to compare current capability or performance against the level required to meet organisational expectations. A strong gap analysis identifies what is missing, why it exists, and what actions will genuinely close it.
Why does a Gap Analysis matter?
Gap analysis helps organisations make targeted decisions, sequence learning investments, and ensure capability uplift supports business priorities. Without it, learning becomes reactive and resources are used inefficiently.
What should a Gap Analysis include?
What strategic or organisational elements shape a gap analysis?
Gap analysis begins with clarity on what 'good' looks like. Emergent Learning helps define these expectations so the analysis is anchored in real performance needs.
What analytical processes influence a gap analysis?
Effective analysis draws on performance data, interviews, observations, frameworks, or assessments. Emergent Learning identifies the true causes behind capability gaps, whether skill, knowledge, confidence, or environmental factors.
What implementation or resource considerations are involved?
Once gaps are identified, organisations must consider time, budget, priority roles, and depth of uplift. Emergent Learning helps shape realistic plans aligned to operational constraints.
What results or outcomes does a gap analysis produce?
It produces clear capability insights, identifies priority uplift areas, and provides practical recommendations organisations can act on.
What partnership or support elements are required?
Leaders and SMEs validate expectations, while learning teams prioritise action. Emergent Learning facilitates these conversations to ensure findings are practical and aligned.
What investment considerations influence gap analysis decisions?
Leaders and SMEs validate expectations, while learning teams prioritise action. Emergent Learning facilitates these conversations to ensure findings are practical and aligned.
What does an effective gap analysis process look like?
Where do I start?
Begin by identifying priority capability or performance areas. Emergent Learning helps organisations define a focus aligned to strategy.
What is involved in conducting a gap analysis?
The process includes identifying current capability, comparing it to expectations, and diagnosing root causes. Emergent Learning synthesises insights into a story leaders can act on.
What does the process produce?
It produces clear findings, uplift priorities, and actionable recommendations.
What is the expected outcome?
A realistic, sequenced plan for bridging gaps. Emergent Learning strengthens this through pathways, tools, and targeted solutions.
How can organisations improve their gap analysis approach?
How can we create clearer pathways from gap to uplift?
Clarify which gaps matter and outline interventions that will shift behaviour. Emergent Learning maps gaps directly to uplift pathways.
How do we keep gap analysis relevant across roles?
Use a consistent approach but validate with each context. Emergent Learning adapts templates to suit different audiences.
How can organisations make findings easier to action?
Simplify reporting and tie recommendations to capability outcomes. Emergent Learning produces leader-friendly summaries that drive action.
How do we measure whether the gap is closing?
Reassess capability once interventions are in place and look for measurable improvements in performance.
Examples of Gap Analysis in Organisations
A customer service team identifies communication capability gaps.
An operational team uncovers knowledge gaps affecting safety.
A leadership group discovers gaps impacting strategic decision-making.