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What is SWOT Analysis?

Malcolm Tatum
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 90,957
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The SWOT analysis is one of several strategic planning tools that are used by businesses and other organizations to ensure that there is a clear objective defined for the project or venture, and that all factors related to the effort, both positive and negative, are identified and addressed. In order to accomplish this task, the process involves four areas of consideration: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It should be noted that, when identifying and classifying relevant factors, the focus is not just on internal matters, but also external components that could impact the success of the project.

Strengths are attributes or characteristics within the organization that are considered to be important to the execution and ultimate success of the project. Examples that are often cited include experienced management, state of the art manufacturing facilities, and a solid profit line already in place.

Weaknesses have to do with internal factors that could prevent the achievement of a successful result to the project. Factors such as a weak internal communication system, unhealthy levels of rivalry between departments, lack of raw materials, and inadequate funding for the project are often cited as weaknesses that can threaten to derail a project before it even begins.

The third classification of factors in the SWOT analysis is Opportunities. This classification has to do with external elements that will prove helpful in achieving the goals set for the project. Factors of this type could be the positive perception of the company by the general public, a network of vendors who are willing to work with the company to achieve success with the project, and market conditions that will help to make the project desirable to the market at large, or a least a significant segment.

Last, the final essential component is Threats. Here, external factors that could threaten the success of the business venture or project are listed and addressed. Among the possible threats that will be critical to any analysis is a negative public image, the lack of vendors who can supply raw materials for the project, and no ready made market for the final product of the project.

The underlying purpose of the SWOT analysis as a strategic planning tool is to compile this list of relevant factors, and then seek answers to four essential queries. This process is usually referred to as the USED component. The four basic points to ponder are how to use each strength, how to stop each weakness, how to exploit each opportunity, and how to defend against or eliminate each threat.

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Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
Discussion Comments
By ValleyFiah — On Jul 12, 2010

@ Alchemy- in some instances a business may have a lapse in the analysis process, failing to identify controllable forces that may influence the success of a business venture. This is especially true for ventures into foreign business environments. Many good ideas have failed because they overlooked the impact of one of those forces on their product.

An example would be the failure of Taco Bell in Mexico. Taco Bell is not particularly popular in Mexico because their marketing department ran the famous Taco Bell commercials with the Chihuahua. Many people in Mexico found this commercial series mocking and offensive, even though it was very popular in the United States. This gave people a negative image of the company that has stuck like glue.

By Alchemy — On Jul 12, 2010

SWOT analysis is only a part of corporate or business planning. Strategic planning requires deeper examination into the external and internal threats and opportunities a business, product launch, or acquisition faces. Planners must also examine how political, economic, environmental, social, legal technological, educational, and demographic forces play into a SWOT analysis.

Once strategic planners have identified and researched these strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, they must determine which of these forces are controllable and which ones are uncontrollable.

The business will then need to determine if they can adapt to the uncontrollable forces discovered in their analysis. If they cannot adapt, then that is the first sign that the venture will ultimately be unsuccessful.

Once an idea makes it out of the analysis stage it can then move on to the planning, execution, and evaluation stages.

By anon9211 — On Mar 02, 2008

SWOT Analysis of a Business Analyst

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
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