SWOT Analysis 101

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.

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.

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

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.

Figure 1: SWOT table

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

Strengths

Strengths are positive internal attributes (as showcased in green on Figure 1) that give an organization a competitive advantage. Some 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 its market position.

Weaknesses

Weaknesses are negative internal attributes (as showcased in yellow on Figure 1) that hinder an organization's performance or opportunity which puts it at a competitive disadvantage. Some 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 considering them when planning.

Opportunities

Opportunities are positive external attributes (as showcased in blue on Figure 1) that an organization can exploit to its own advantage. Some opportunities could include new or unexpected changes in the market, new technological advancements, new consumer preferences and needs, or new regulations from legislation. These opportunities allow organisations to identify opportunities and for them to adapt their strategies and to seize on new opportunities arriving.

Threats

Threats are negative external attributes (as showcased in red on Figure 1), and these external challenges can create risks to an organization and its success. Some threats could include economic downturns, increased competition, regulatory changes, or changing markets. By recognizing these threats an organizations can develop contingency plans and mitigate risks for the future.

How to SWOT 101

But how do you conduct the SWOT analysis exactly?

Start by setting a goal for an organisation that has a specific objective in mind, this will create a clear direction for what they aim to accomplish by the end of the process.

Next, start gathering resources and identifying internal factors meaning Strengths and Weaknesses.

When assessing strengths, common questions to ask include:

• What areas are we excelling in?
• What is our greatest asset?

When evaluating weaknesses, typical questions to ask might include:

• What factors are holding us back?
• Which product lines are underperforming?

here some examples:

Strengths: Resources within that provide a positive effect on the organisation

• What does the company provide that others do not?
• Does the organisation have a strong brand?
• Other benefits that the organisation internally have that create its market share?

Weaknesses: Internal limitations or challenges that create a negative effect on the organisation

• Outdated technology
• Poor management
• Insufficient financial resources

Next, identify external factors meaning Opportunities and Threats, here some examples:

Opportunities:

External factors that can be taken advantage of for the benefit of the organisation

• New market trends
• New technological advancements
• New consumers/stakeholder needs

Threats: External challenges or risks that could negatively affect the organisation,

• Economic downturns such as recessions,
• Increased competition (Increased red ocean environment)
• Changes in regulations for the legislation

Lastly, evaluate all the elements and assess the significance of the identified areas within the four SWOT categories, a great way to help yourself is by visualising the different areas in a table (A table template can be seen in Figure 1). Weight the importance/impact of the different areas with main focus on how it impacts the organisation and develop a strategic plan with the findings that capitalises on the organisation's strengths and opportunities while addressing its weaknesses and mitigating its threats.

Discussion

To begin with, the purpose of a SWOT analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of a company's or organisation's current position by evaluating its internal/external positive/negative factors. The analysis may have its limitations but, overall By evaluating their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, it is possible to develop clear overviews of competitive advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, SWOT analysis assists in narrowing down areas for growth and improvement, enabling better decisions. This process helps to align an organisation's resources and capabilities with market opportunities, in the end driving success for the organisation.

Advantages

Some advantages of conducting a SWOT analysis include:

Simple and easy to understand: The SWOT framework is straightforward and easy to grasp, making it accessible to individuals at all levels of an organization. Versatile: It can be applied to various industries, organizations, and even individuals. Encourages collaboration: A SWOT analysis can be conducted as a group activity, promoting teamwork and open discussion among team members. Identifies areas for improvement: The process helps organizations identify areas where they can improve and develop a plan for growth. Disadvantages & Limitations

Despite its benefits, a SWOT analysis also has some disadvantages and limitations:

Subjective interpretation: The analysis is often based on subjective opinions and perceptions, which can lead to biased or incomplete results. Static snapshot: A SWOT analysis provides a snapshot of the organization's current situation, but it may not account for future changes in the environment or within the organization. Lack of prioritization: The analysis does not always provide clear guidance on which factors are the most critical, which can make it challenging to prioritize actions. Overemphasis on internal factors: A SWOT analysis may focus more on internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) rather than considering external factors (opportunities and threats) that could have a significant impact on the organization.

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.