SWOT analysis

Question 1

What is a SWOT analysis?

Answer 1

A technique that can be used to perform a corporate appraisal to evaluate the strategic position of the organisation.

Question 2

How should this question be answered?

Answer 2

Sub-heading for each bit: 
Strength
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats

Try and balance points in the scenario under each heading. Prioritise the obvious/best ones

Explain the reason it is a strength or a weakness

Conclude on key issues and justify why you think these are key issues

Question 3

What questions can be addressed when evaluating a SWOT analysis?

Answer 3

 Can the strengths of the organisation be matched to opportunities?
e.g. Current distribution channels may be used to launch new products

 What weaknesses need to be addressed before pursuing opportunities?
e.g. New staff may need to be employed to overcome capacity constraints

 Does the organisation have sufficient strengths to minimise threats?
e.g. Existing customer loyalty may reduce the impact of new competitors

 Can the organisation’s weaknesses be converted into strengths?
e.g. Businesses with a narrow product range may become a niche seller

 Can potential threats be converted into new opportunities?
e.g. ‘Budget range’ products could be introduced in times of economic decline