CAPM Business Analysis Frameworks Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` Project: ERP Implementation Current state: Manual invoice processing takes 5 days. Target state: Automated invoice processing takes 1 day. Gap: 4 days improvement needed. Solution: Implement OCR and workflow automation. ```
Refer to the exhibit. A business analyst has documented the current and target states for invoice processing. What business analysis technique is being used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse gap analysis with root cause analysis because both involve analyzing problems, but gap analysis focuses on the difference between current and target states, while root cause analysis digs into the origin of a single problem.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Gap analysis
The business analyst is comparing the current state and target state of invoice processing to identify the differences or gaps that need to be addressed. This is the core definition of gap analysis, which is a technique used to determine the steps required to move from the current state to the desired future state. The exhibit explicitly shows a 'Current State' and 'Target State' for invoice processing, making gap analysis the correct technique.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Feasibility study
Why it's wrong here
A feasibility study evaluates whether a proposed solution is viable across technical, financial and operational dimensions; it does not compare current and target states. The exhibit shows gap analysis. Feasibility study is correct when deciding whether to proceed with an initiative.
- ✗
SWOT analysis
Why it's wrong here
SWOT analysis assesses internal strengths and weaknesses against external opportunities and threats; it does not map current and target states. The exhibit depicts gap analysis. SWOT is correct when evaluating an organisation's strategic position before planning.
- ✓
Gap analysis
Why this is correct
Gap analysis compares the documented current state against the target state to identify the differences that must be addressed. By contrasting as-is invoice processing with the to-be process, the analyst pinpoints missing capabilities and required changes, which is precisely the technique the scenario describes.
- ✗
Root cause analysis
Why it's wrong here
Root cause analysis investigates why a problem occurred, typically via fishbone or five-whys; it does not document current and target states. The exhibit shows gap analysis. Root cause analysis is correct when diagnosing the underlying cause of a defect or incident.
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