What process compares the current state and future state of a project to identify differences?

The process that compares the current state and future state of a project to identify differences is known as gap analysis. This method is essential for project management because it helps in assessing where the project currently stands in relation to its goals and objectives, and what is needed to bridge the gap to reach those goals.

By conducting a gap analysis, project managers can pinpoint the discrepancies between the existing performance and the desired performance, making it easier to develop strategies, allocate resources effectively, and prioritize tasks to move closer to the intended outcomes. This analysis often leads to actionable insights that drive project improvements and enhance overall success.

In contrast, project meetings typically involve discussions and updates rather than systematic evaluation of current versus desired states. Risk reporting focuses on identifying and documenting potential risks and their impact rather than assessing gap differences. Ad hoc reporting is more about producing reports on an as-needed basis, without a structured analysis of progress toward future states. Thus, gap analysis is the most relevant process for identifying differences between current and future project states.