This document provides guidance on conducting a SWOT analysis, which is used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats involved in a project or strategy. It explains that SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, with strengths and weaknesses being internal factors, and opportunities and threats being external factors. The document then outlines the four-step process for doing a SWOT analysis: 1) determine the objective, 2) create a grid with four boxes labeled for the internal and external factors, 3) fill in the relevant factors, and 4) draw conclusions on the potential for success based on whether the positives outweigh the negatives.

1. Tool 8:
SWOT Analysis
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2. Tool 8: SWOT Analysis
Thisexercise isaboutpreparingaSWOT Analysis.SWOTdiagramsormatrices are a keypart of any
businessplanningoranalysis. SWOTstandsforStrengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,and Threats.
Strengthsandweaknessesare internal factors (i.e.withinanorganisation) andopportunitiesand
threatsare external factors (i.e.external toanorganisation).A SWOTanalysistypically consistsof
fourboxes,one foreacharea. Theyare especiallyuseful whentryingtodecide whethertoembark
on a certainventure orstrategyby visualisingthe prosandcons.By clearlyoutliningall positivesand
negativesof aproject,SWOT analysismakesiteasiertodecide whethertomove forward.
How to Do a SWOT Analysis
Step 1: Determine the Objective
Decide ona keyprojector strategyto analyse andplace it at the top of the page.
Step 2: Create a Grid and Label
Draw a large square and then divide itintofoursmallersquares.Write the word"Strengths"inside
the top leftbox,"Weaknesses"insidethe toprightbox,"Opportunities"withinthe bottomleftbox,
and "Threats"inside the bottomrightbox.
Internal
Strengths: Weaknesses:
External
Opportunities: Threats:
Step 3: Fill in the SWOTMatrix

3. Addfactors that affectthe projecttothe applicable boxes.Componentsof aSWOT analysismaybe
qualitative andanecdotal aswell asquantitative andempirical innature.Factors are typicallylisted
ina bulletform.
Step 4: Draw conclusions
Analyse the finishedSWOTdiagram.Be sure tonote if the positive outcomesoutweighthe negative.
If theydo, itmay be a gooddecisiontocarry out the objective.If theydonot,adjustmentsmayneed
to be made,or else the planshouldsimplybe abandoned
Example of a SWOTAnalysis