TOGAF® Standard, 10th Edition · OGEA-101 Foundation · Quick revision
Gap Analysis
Official definition — learn word for word
“A statement of difference between two states. Used in the context of gap analysis, where the difference between the Baseline and Target Architecture is identified.”
This is the Chapter 4 definition of “Gap” (§4.47); the technique itself is described in ADM Techniques ch. 5.
Source: CC §4.47 · TECH ch. 5
Memory aid
Rows = Baseline ABBs + “New”. Columns = Target ABBs + “Eliminated”. Anything in New or Eliminated is a gap to explain or fix.
Memory aid — not TOGAF wording.
In plain words
Comparing today with the target to list what must be added, what will be removed, and what stays.
Plain-English summary — not TOGAF wording.
Worked example
The baseline has “paper fee receipt”; the target does not → Eliminated (correctly). The target has “UPI payment”, which the baseline lacks → New (a gap to build or buy).
Illustrative example (Digital University Kerala) — not from the Standard.
01Mind map — related concepts
Gap Analysis
COMPARES
Baseline ABBs vs Target ABBs
CELL LABELS
Included · Eliminated · New
PHASES B–D · STEP 4
Perform Gap Analysis
PHASE E · 9.3.3
Consolidate gap results from Phases B to D
TOP SOURCE OF GAPS
Stakeholder concerns not yet addressed
NOT TO CONFUSE WITH
“Eliminated” is not always a mistake
Source: TECH §5.1–5.3 · ADM §4.3.4, §9.3.3
02Reading the gap matrix (TECH §5.2, Fig 5-1)
| Situation | Mark | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ABB in both Baseline and Target | Included | No gap |
| Baseline ABB missing from Target — correctly | Eliminated | Explain it as correctly eliminated |
| Baseline ABB missing from Target — by accident | Eliminated | Reinstate it in the next iteration of the architecture design |
| Target ABB not in Baseline | New (gap) | Fill it — develop or procure the building block |
Source: TECH §5.2, §5.3
03Suggested steps (TECH §5.2)
Draw the matrixBaseline ABBs on the vertical axis; Target ABBs on the horizontal
Add “New” and “Eliminated”final row on the Baseline axis, final column on the Target axis
Mark “Included”where an ABB is in both
Review Baseline ABBs missing from the Targetcorrectly eliminated, or an accidental omission?
Mark Target-only ABBs as “New”a gap to fill by developing or procuring
Explain or address every gapanything under Eliminated or New
Source: TECH §5.2
04Where it appears in the ADM
Phases B, C, D · Step 4
Perform Gap Analysis — verify models, then identify gaps between baseline and target.
ADM §4.3.4, §6.3.4, §7.3.4, §8.3.4
Phase E · Step 9.3.3
Review and Consolidate Gap Analysis Results from Phases B to D.
ADM §9.3.3
Phase G · Step 11.3.3
Carry out gap analysis between the Solution Architecture and operations.
ADM §11.3.3
05Exam traps
“Gap analysis is only done in Phase B” → Phases B, C and D (step 4), consolidated in Phase E (9.3.3)
“Anything in “Eliminated” is an error” → Review each: it may be correctly eliminated or an accidental omission
“A “New” item means the target is wrong” → It is a gap to fill by developing or procuring the building block
“Gap analysis compares SBBs” → The suggested matrix uses ABBs of the Baseline and Target
“Gaps are only technical” → Business-domain gaps include people, process, tools, information, measurement, financial, facilities
06Self-test — tap to reveal
Q1Define a gap (§4.47).
A statement of difference between two states; in gap analysis, between the Baseline and Target Architecture.
Q2What goes on the matrix axes?
Baseline ABBs vertically; Target ABBs horizontally.
Q3What extra row and column are added?
A “New” row and an “Eliminated” column.
Q4What does “Included” mean?
The ABB is in both Baseline and Target.
Q5What if a Baseline ABB was accidentally omitted from the Target?
Reinstate it in the next iteration of the architecture design.
Q6How is a “New” gap filled?
By developing or procuring the building block.
Q7Which Phase E step consolidates gap results?
Step 9.3.3.
Q8What is the most critical source of gaps?
Stakeholder concerns not addressed in prior architectural work.