SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis
(Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities & Threats)
Analysis
SWOT Analysis
• The SWOT Analysis framework is a
very important and useful tool to use in
marketing Management and other
business applications.
• As a basic tool its mastery is a
fundamental requirement for the
marketer, entrepreneur or business
person.
• A clear understanding of SWOT is
required for business majors.
What is a SWOT Analysis?
SWOT Matrix
Strengths
• A firm's strengths are its resources and
capabilities that can be used for
developing a competitive advantage.
Examples of such strengths include:
• Patents
• Strong brand names
• Good reputation among customers
• Cost advantages from proprietary
know-how
• Exclusive access to natural resources
• Good access to distribution networks
Weaknesses
• The absence of certain strengths are a
weakness. For example, the following
may be considered weaknesses:
• Lack of patent protection
• A weak brand name
• Poor reputation among customers
• High cost structure
• Lack of access to best natural resources
• Lack of access to key distribution
channels
Weaknesses - Continued
• In some cases, a weakness may be the
flip side of a strength.
• For example, a firm has a large amount
of manufacturing capacity.
• While this capacity may be considered a
strength that competitors do not share, it
also may be a considered a weakness if
the large investment in manufacturing
capacity prevents the firm from reacting
quickly to changes in the strategic
environment.
Opportunities
• The external environmental analysis may
reveal certain new opportunities for profit
and growth. Some examples of such
opportunities include: