1. SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

2. What is a SWOT analysis and why should you use one?
A SWOT analysis guides you to identify the positives and negatives inside your organization (Strength & Weakness) and outside of it, in the external environment (Opportunity & Threat). Developing a full awareness of your situation can help with both strategic planning and decision -making. 2

3. When do you use SWOT? Explore possibilities to problems.
Make decisions for your initiative.
Determine where change is possible.
Adjust and refine plans mid-course.

4. What are the elements of a SWOT analysis?4

5. Internal Factors: Strengths and Weaknesses (S, W)
Human resources
Physical resources
Financial
Activities and processes
Past experiences 5

6. External Factors: Opportunities and Threats (O, T)
Future trends
The economy
Funding sources
Demographics
The physical environment
Legislation
Local, national or international events 6

7. How do you create a SWOT analysis?
Designate a leader or group facilitator.
Designate a recorder to back up the leader if your group is large.
Introduce the SWOT method and its purpose in your organization.
Let all participants introduce themselves.
Have each group designate a recorder; direct them to create a SWOT analysis. 7

8. How do you create a SWOT analysis? (cont.)
Reconvene the group at the agreed-upon time to share results.
Discuss and record the results.
Prepare a written summary of the SWOT analysis to give to participants. 8

9. How do you use your SWOT analysis?
Use it to:
Identify the issues or problems you intend to change
Set or reaffirm goals
Create an action plan 9