SWOT Analysis 101

Revision as of 15:50, 7 April 2023

Abstact

The SWOT analysis categorized as “Uncertainty” under how to anticipate if something happens is a versatile strategic planning tool used to assess an organization's internal and external factors. The SWOT analysis is a method of anticipating uncertainty, as it evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

The four elements of SWOT analysis include strengths, which are internal factors that give a competitive advantage, weaknesses, which are internal factors that hinder performance, opportunities, which are external factors that can improve performance, and threats, which are external factors that could negatively impact a business.

Using the SWOT analysis can be useful in many ways, the method can be good for identifying areas needing improvement, making key strategic decisions, performance overhauls, development of products, market competition overview, and more. Using the SWOT analysis requires one to identify both the internal and external factors and to evaluate them based on the four elements: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. These four elements are then used to create a strategic plan. Furthermore, the method can be used alongside other strategic planning tools.

Despite the SWOT analysis being a popular tool, it is not without limitations and criticisms. The downsides of the tool include its oversimplifying of key factors and its subjective nature. Nonetheless, SWOT analysis remains a useful tool for organizations to inform and plan their strategic decisions for improved performance.

Introduction

Origin

The SWOT analysis is from the 1960s, the man who was recognised for the analysis was a business consultant named Albert S. Humphrey. Albert Humphrey developed the SWOT analysis framework during a project at Stanford Research Institute (SRI), where over 500 companies funded a project to identify and find reasons behind the success and failure of corporate planning. Over the decades the analysis tool has matured and evolved even more making it the tool widely used today for business strategy and management. Cite(2)

Definition and explanation of SWOT analysis as a tool for strategic planning

Figure 1: SWOT table

The SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to assess internal and external environments, mainly in organisations. The tool is segmented up into four sections that revolve around identifying and evaluating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats regarding an organisation and the environment it currently resides in both externally and internally. This way the tool is used to achieve objectives by analysing these four factors to gain key insight into the current competitive position and what strategy is currently needed to take to grow/improve the organisation's current standing. In summary, by evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, informed decisions can be made to capitalize on the company's strengths, exploit opportunities, and minimize threats that could impact the organization. Cite(1) Cite(2)

The four elements of SWOT analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Strengths

Strengths are positive internal attributes (as showcased in Figure 1) that give an organization a competitive advantage. Examples of strengths could be skilled personnel, a strong brand reputation, unique products or services, or efficient processes. By identifying these strengths, it is possible to help an organization capitalize on advantages and develop new or better strategies to maintain or increase the organisation's market position.

Weaknesses

Weaknesses are negative internal attributes that hinder an organization's performance and put it at a competitive disadvantage. Examples of weaknesses could include a lack of resources, outdated technology, high employee turnover, or a weak supply chain. Organizations can develop plans to address and overcome these challenges by recognising these weaknesses and having them in mind when planning.

Opportunities

Threats

Discussion

Discussion of the purpose and benefits of conducting a SWOT analysis Explanation of how to conduct a SWOT analysis, including identifying internal and external factors, evaluating the elements, and developing a plan based on the findings of the analysis.

Advantages

Disadvantages & Limitations

Examples of use

Examples of how businesses and organizations can use SWOT analysis to make strategic decisions and improve performance

Comparison

Comparison of SWOT analysis to other strategic planning tools, furthermore a discussion of the limitations and criticisms of SWOT analysis as a tool for decision-making.

References

Investopedia “SWOT Analysis: How To With Table and Example” (1) https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/swot.asp (February 12, 2023) (2) https://www.bl.uk/business-and-ip-centre/articles/what-is-swot-analysis (April 07, 2023)