What type of report compares current and future states to assist a department manager in making a case for a project?

A gap analysis is a strategic tool used to assess the difference between the current state and the desired future state of a project or organization. This type of report identifies existing gaps in performance, resources, processes, or capabilities, helping managers understand what changes are necessary to reach their objectives.

In the context of project management, a gap analysis enables a department manager to present a clear case for a project by illustrating the specific areas where improvements are needed and how the proposed project would bridge those gaps. It provides quantitative and qualitative insights, supporting data-driven decision-making and pinpointing where resources should be allocated to achieve the desired outcomes.

Other reporting options, while useful in their own right, do not focus specifically on comparing current and future states in a way that aids project justification. For example, phase gate reviews are checkpoints in the project lifecycle that assess progress but do not inherently provide a future state analysis. External status reporting typically summarizes project performance for stakeholders without directly addressing gaps. Ad hoc reporting is more flexible and responsive to immediate information needs but does not follow a systematic comparison of states like a gap analysis does.