Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) Practice Test 2026 - Free CBAP Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is gap analysis, which specifically targets the identification of discrepancies between the existing state of performance and the targeted, desired outcomes. This analytical approach involves systematically assessing current performance metrics or processes and comparing them to intended benchmarks or goals. By doing so, organizations can highlight areas that require improvement and develop actionable strategies to bridge the identified gaps.

In gap analysis, the emphasis is on understanding both qualitative and quantitative measures related to performance. This can include various metrics like sales figures, customer satisfaction scores, operational productivity, and other key performance indicators. The insights gained from this analysis help organizations prioritize efforts and allocate resources effectively to enhance overall performance and achieve strategic objectives.

Other types of analysis, such as SWOT analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and risk analysis, serve different purposes. SWOT analysis focuses on assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to inform strategic planning, while cost-benefit analysis evaluates the financial implications of actions or projects to determine their viability. Risk analysis identifies potential risks and their impacts, allowing organizations to prepare and mitigate those risks. While all these analyses are valuable in the business context, gap analysis distinctly aims to uncover performance discrepancies, making it the appropriate choice for the question at hand.