A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis is a foundational strategic planning tool used to evaluate an organization's current position and guide major business decisions. The framework differentiates between controllable internal factors, such as finances and physical resources (Strengths and Weaknesses), and uncontrollable external forces, like market trends and political regulations (Opportunities and Threats). To ensure relevance and actionability, the analysis should be performed before any major initiative, updated frequently, and ideally started by examining the external environment. The process culminates in actionable strategies focused on leveraging internal capabilities to exploit opportunities and mitigate critical threats.
Type of Material:
Open (Access) Journal-Article
Recommended Uses:
Lectures, Homework, Group discussion, and as a Formative Assessment method (to review performance and integrate knowledge via a real scenario or case study).
Technical Requirements:
Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or a similar internet browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Students will be able to:
·Define SWOT Analysis.
·List the component of SWOT.
·Identify common internal factors.
·Identify common external factors.
Gain a foundational and practical understanding of strategic planning through the SWOT framework.
Target Student Population:
The target population is upper division college or graduate school students in business management or leadership courses.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
An introduction to business, economics, and political science courses would provide a solid foundation for learning how to conduct a SWOT.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The article provides a clear definition of a SWOT analysis and its primary objective as a strategic planning tool.
It systematically breaks down the four components—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats—with concrete examples for each.
This article also emphasizes that the analysis is only valuable if acted upon, focusing on the critical step of turning findings into actionable strategies.
The article includes a detailed, practical example from a firm that used a SWOT analysis to launch a new dispute mediation service.
This case study clearly maps the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to a specific, successful business outcome.
Its quality is enhanced by positioning SWOT within a broader strategic planning toolkit.
It recommends and briefly describes other complementary analytical frameworks, such as PEST, MOST, SCRS, Pareto, Competitive, Statistical, and Conjoint analysis, encouraging readers to use multiple approaches for a more complete picture.
The content appears to be regularly updated, with a listed date of September 16, 2025.
Concerns:
A reference list would have provided more support for the article and added to its credibility.
May not be comprehensive enough for a class environment.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The material frames the complex topic of strategic planning in a highly accessible manner.
It teaches not just what a SWOT analysis is, but how to use it effectively.
The inclusion of a detailed case study is perhaps the strongest teaching feature.
The material encourages a holistic approach to learning strategy, preventing learners from viewing SWOT in isolation.
Concerns:
May need additional sources for this topic in a classroom environment.
Instructor will need to provide guidance on how on to conduct a SWOT Analysis and find the information for completing the templates.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The article was easy to access.
The table of contents and topical headings assisted in navigating through the article.
There were charts and graphs to add to the visual appeal.
Hyperlinks to other resources were embedded into the article to make it more interactive.
Concerns:
The SWOT templates may be difficult for a learner to complete without being provided a business case study by the instructor.
Creative Commons:
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