Step 4: Gap Analysis

1. Create a Gap Analysis Report using one of the following two methods:
2. 1. ONLINE
   2. 1. The CMAT will create a Gap Analysis report on-the-fly, comparing Market Analysis and Curriculum Crosswalk reports that you select. This report identifies the differences between Key Activities, Knowledge and Skills emphasized in your Market Analysis and those emphasized in your Curriculum Crosswalk.
      2. Since these reports are created on-the-fly, they are not stored in the CMAT application. After your Gap Analysis report is generated, you may wish to save it to your local machine by clicking "File, Save As...."
   3. PAPER-BASED
   4. 1. Create a matrix that enables you to do a side-by-side comparison of the data from your market analysis research and your curriculum crosswalk.
   
   
3. To focus and synthesize your findings into a meaningful format, write a short explanation of the gaps your analysis reveals.
   
   
4. Complete this phase of the development process by articulating how you plan to address these gaps in your curriculum, both in the near term and in the long term.
   
   

Start applying what you've learned so far to assessments, modules, and assignments : Go to Step 5!

Q: What's a gap analysis?
A: A gap analysis is a discussion of a matrix that identifies matches and gaps between your curriculum crosswalk and your market analysis. Often the biggest gap is in the area of employability, or foundation, skills.

Q: How long does it take to do a gap analysis?
A: The CMAT can generate a gap analysis report with a few clicks of the mouse. Paper-based reports will take somewhat longer, depending on how extensive your data sets are.

Q: How do I use multiple market analyses to do a single curriculum crosswalk?
A: Unfortunately, the CMAT is not set up to do this for you. However, the process is fairly straightforward - simply compare your curriculum crosswalk to the different market analyses and mark the number of times a specific gap appears. You will want to focus on those gaps that appear more than once.

The gaps uncovered by this analysis may suggest many skills you'll need to incorporate in your course/curriculum. This is not an easy task, but you can get a good start by grouping the identified skills into categories. For example, make a list of general employability skills (being on time, showing up for work, attitude, etc.), technical knowledge skills, writing skills, and communication skills. Categorizing skills will help you identify where these skills are or are not currently being addressed. Note: it is not realistic to attempt to close all the gaps you've uncovered. Choose those you feel you can address on this first pass. As you work and re-work the process, you will be able to incorporate more skills.

The Tech Support Gap Analysis on the left is a good example of a report that compares one curriculum crosswalk with multiple market analyses.

Q: Once I've done the gap analysis, what next?
A: Identify the most important gaps, based on priorities repeated across industry interviews. Then, determine how you will address these gaps in your curriculum. Will you add a new assignment, a new course? Since experience and market research have shown that industry places a high value on foundation skills, will you have to restructure your curriculum so that you teach more projects which will allow for the infusion these skills? Step Five of the curriculum development toolkit will help you to design more contextual assignments with assessments that can handle a focus on soft skills.