SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats What

SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

What is a SWOT analysis and why should you use one? A SWOT analysis guides you to identify the positives and negatives inside your organization (Strength & Weakness) and outside of it, in the external environment (Opportunity & Threat). Developing a full awareness of your situation can help with both strategic planning and decision making.

When do you use SWOT? • • Explore possibilities to problems. Make decisions for your initiative. Determine where change is possible. Adjust and refine plans mid-course.

What are the elements of a SWOT analysis?

Internal Factors: Strengths and Weaknesses (S, W) • • • Human resources Physical resources Financial Activities and processes Past experiences

External Factors: Opportunities and Threats (O, T) • • Future trends The economy Funding sources Demographics The physical environment Legislation Local, national or international events

How do you create a SWOT analysis? 1. Designate a leader or group facilitator. 2. Designate a recorder to back up the leader if your group is large. 3. Introduce the SWOT method and its purpose in your organization. 4. Let all participants introduce themselves. 5. Have each group designate a recorder; direct them to create a SWOT analysis.

How do you create a SWOT analysis? (cont. ) 6. Reconvene the group at the agreed-upon time to share results. 7. Discuss and record the results. 8. Prepare a written summary of the SWOT analysis to give to participants.

How do you use your SWOT analysis? Use it to: • Identify the issues or problems you intend to change • Set or reaffirm goals • Create an action plan