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Module 6 NSTP

A SWOT analysis identifies an organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It is used to guide strategic planning and decision making. Strengths and weaknesses are internal factors, while opportunities and threats are external. A SWOT analysis involves brainstorming these factors, then using the information to set goals and create an action plan. It helps organizations understand their situation and identify possibilities for change or adjustment to plans.

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82 views

Module 6 NSTP

A SWOT analysis identifies an organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It is used to guide strategic planning and decision making. Strengths and weaknesses are internal factors, while opportunities and threats are external. A SWOT analysis involves brainstorming these factors, then using the information to set goals and create an action plan. It helps organizations understand their situation and identify possibilities for change or adjustment to plans.

Uploaded by

Jj Branch
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PART 1: SWOT ANALYSIS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

What is a SWOT Analysis and Why Should You Use When Do You Use SWOT?
One? - Explore possibilities for new efforts or
- Stands for: Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, solutions to problems.
and Threat. A SWOT analysis guides you to - Make decisions about the best path for your
identify your organization’s strengths and initiative.
weaknesses (S – W), as well as broader - Determine where change is possible. If you
opportunities and threats (O – T). are at a juncture or turning point, an
- Developing a fuller awareness of the situation inventory of your strengths and weaknesses
helps with both strategic planning and can reveal priorities as well as possibilities.
decision – making - Adjust and refine plans mid-course. A new
- Equally useful in the work of community opportunity might open wider avenues,
health and development while a new threat could close a path that
once existed.
Sample Layouts for SWOT
Internal External
Strengths Opportunities Weaknesses Threats
 
 
 
- This layout provides a reminder that strengths and weaknesses have to be assessed internally, within an
individual or organization; while threats and opportunities are identified from factors outside of an
individual or organization, but may have effects on it.
Positives Negatives
 Strengths  Weaknesses
 Assets  Limitations
 Resources  Restrictions
 Opportunities  Threats
 Prospects  Challenges
- If a looser structure helps you brainstorm, you can group positives and negatives to think broadly about
your organization and its external environment.
Strengths Weaknesses
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
Opportunities Opportunity – Strength (OS) Strategies Opportunity – Weaknesses (OW) Strategies
1. - Use the strengths to take - Overcome weaknesses by taking
2. advantage of opportunities. advantage of opportunities.
3. 1. 1.
4. 2. 2.
Threats Threat – Strength (TS) Strategies Threat – Weaknesses (TW) Strategies
1. - Use the strengths to avoid - Minimize weaknesses and avoid
2. threats. threats.
3. 1. 1.
4. 2. 2.
- This is a third option for structuring your SWOT analysis, which may be appropriate for a larger initiative
that requires detailed planning. This "TOWS Matrix" is adapted from Fred David's Strategic Management
text.

Listing Your Internal Factors: Strengths and Weaknesses (S, W)


- Internal factors include your resources and experiences. General areas to consider:
 Human resources – staff, volunteers, board members, target population
 Physical resources – your location, building, equipment
 Financial – grants, funding agencies, other sources of income
 Activities and processes – programs you run, systems you employ
 Past experiences – building blocks for learning and success, your reputation in the community

Listing External Factors: Opportunities and Threats (O, T)


- Forces and facts that your group does not control include:
 Future trends in your field or the culture
 The economy - local, national, or international
 Funding sources - foundations, donors, legislatures
 Demographics - changes in the age, race, gender, culture of those you serve or in your area
 The physical environment (Is your building in a growing part of town? Is the bus company cutting
routes?)
 Legislation (Do new government requirements make your job harder...or easier?)
 Local, national or international events
When and Where Do You Develop a SWOT Analysis?
- A SWOT analysis is often created during a retreat or planning session that allows several hours for
brainstorming and analysis. The best results come when the process is collaborative and inclusive.
- When creating the analysis, people are asked to pool their individual and shared knowledge and
experience.
How Do You Use Your SWOT Analysis?
- Better understanding the factors affecting your initiative put you in a better position for action. This
understanding helps as you:
 Identify the issues or problems you intend to change
 Set or reaffirm goals
 Create an action plan
- As you consider your analysis, be open to the possibilities that exist within a weakness or threat. Likewise,
recognize that an opportunity can become a threat if everyone else sees the opportunity and plans to take
advantage of it as well, thereby increasing your competition.

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