SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis

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Term2.png SWOT ANALYSIS
A tool that identifies the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of an organization. Specifically, SWOT is a basic, straightforward model that assesses what an organization can and cannot do as well as its potential opportunities and threats. The SWOT analysis takes the information from an environmental analysis and separate it into internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external issues (opportunities and threats). Once this is completed, the SWOT analysis determines what can be of assistance to the organization in accomplishing its objectives, and what obstacles must be minimized to achieve desired results. [1]


Toolkit.png Conducting a SWOT Analysis

To conduct a SWOT analysis identify the following four categories of the SWOT Matrix:

  1. Strengths: Internal competences, valuable resources or attributes that an organization can use to exploit the external environment. For example : competitive advantages, resources, certifications, experience, management cover, communication. The aim of the SWOT is to maintain, build, and leverage.
  2. Weaknesses: Internal lack of competence, resources or attributes that an organization requires to perform in the external environment. For example : gaps in capabilities, reputation, financials, reliability of data. The aim of the SWOT is to remedy or exit.
  3. Opportunities: External possibilities that an organization can pursue or exploit to gain benefit. For example : market developments, competitors' vulnerabilities, information and research. The aim of the SWOT is to prioritize and optimize them.
  4. Threats: External factors that has the potential to reduce an organization's performance. For example : political and environmental effects, market demand, IT developments. The aim of the SWOT is to counter them.

Strengths and Opportunities are identified as enhancers to desired performance, while Weaknesses and Threats are inhibitors.[2]


SWOT Matrix

Swot matrix.jpg


Step by Step

  • A brainstorming session is conducted to get inputs about the stengths of the organization.
  • The facilitator distributes paper cards and asks participants to write what are the things that they consider as strengths within the organization. Everyone is allowed to write as many things as they want.
  • The facilitator then collects all the paper cards and places them on a board. Inputs that are redundant are discharged
  • The same procedure is repeated for weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
  • Categorize all the SWOT factors into the Matrix and work to build consensus around their placement.
  • The situation is then analyzed with the objective of identifying ways in which the organization’s strengths can be built, upon to overcome the identified weaknesses, and opportunities can be taken to minimize threats.
  • A strategy for making improvements is formulated and subsequently developed, using any planning tool. [3]


Job Aids

Word.png Swot Matrix Template


References

  1. ↑ www.answers.com (20 August 2008), www.netmba.com (20 August 2008), en.wikipedia.org (20 August 2008)
  2. ↑ www.businessballs.com (3 October 2008), web.worldbank.org
  3. ↑ www.quickmba.com (13 August 2008), Wikipedia (13 August 2008), Project Cycle Management Guidelines, European Commission, 2004
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