Gap Analysis
Gap analysis consists of defining the present state, the desired
or `target' state and hence the gap between them. In the later
stages of problem solving the aim is to look at ways to bridge
the gap defined and this may often be accomplished by backward-chaining
logical sequences of actions or intermediate states from the
desired state to the present state. In other words, asking the
question:
"What (b) must be in place, or must have happened in
order that this desired state (a) can exist?"
- then -
"What (c) must be in place, or must have happened in
order that this desired state (b) can exist?"
Etcetera.
Gap analysis alone however is not adequate for all problem
situations as goals may evolve and emerge during the course of
problem solving, "what ought to be" can be a highly
variable target. Also, some problems have many alternative solutions,
in which case backward-chaining search strategies will have little
practical use. |
