How To Perform SWOT Analysis

Performing a SWOT analysis is a straightforward process. A group of people simply completes SWOT Input Forms by listing their thoughtfully selected “top 5” Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. All of the collected input is then compiled and provided for use during the Strategic Planning Process.

When conducting the SWOT analysis, several factors must be considered to ensure that the analysis is effective:

• Make sure you define the scope of the system you are trying to impact, and stay focused on that scope. In this case, we are referring to the organization as the Division of Blind Services and its service delivery and employment partners.
• Make sure you understand the geographic target of your analysis, whether it is organization-wide or localized to a single area. In this case, it includes all of Florida.
• Make sure stakeholder diversity is represented by the SWOT analysis participants. All stakeholder groups have been invited to participate in this process.
• Make sure stakeholders are not just represented for input, but are included in the SWOT process and findings. Information will be shared with you as strategic planning progresses.

Issues To Consider While Completing The SWOT Input Forms

As stated previously, participants in the SWOT must complete forms that list each person’s “top 5” Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats that they perceive to exist in the organization. Below are two lists of examples of factors for consideration that might help you focus on your organizational SWOT, and consider areas in which Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats may exist.

Factors to consider for internal Strengths and Weaknesses might include the following:

• Leadership capability
• Management and/or management style
• Organizational structure or culture
• Financial assets
• Cost structure
• Technical skills
• Decision making abilities, reaction speed
• Research and development function
• Human resource systems and policies
• Service quality
• Attitudes, morale
• Productivity, efficiency
• Technology as an enabler or disabler
• Special functional skills or staffing levels
• Planning systems
• Communications – internal and external
• Information systems – accessible, usable, up-to-date
• Partner capability – funding, board strength, infrastructure

Factors to consider for external Opportunities and Threats might include the following:

• The economy: trends, inflation, unemployment rates, employment opportunities, general economic activity, affordability of housing
• Government: legislation, regulation, program funding, expected revenue shortfalls
• Local government actions: service reductions, changes to public transportation, closing of complementary services such as regional libraries, parks, museums, or other facilities
• Social changes: demographic, psychological, attitudinal, population increases such as aging baby-boomers, multi-generation households
• Technology: changes you need to take advantage of (i.e., e-services), or protect yourself against (invasion of privacy or non-accessible systems)
• Competition or privatization: can someone else perform all or some of what you do more efficiently?
• Cost of living changes such as fuel, insurance, food, housing, etc.
• Aging workforce or scarcity of skilled personnel to fill key positions
• Increased availability of volunteers due to retirements or workforce reductions

Summary

SWOT Analysis is an information gathering technique that collects internal Strengths and Weaknesses, and external Opportunities and Threats. The information collected from the SWOT process is used by leaders in the Strategic Planning Process to ensure plans capitalize on positive organizational features, reduce or eliminate the negative, and consider the uncontrollable so that organizational success is achieved.

Ready To Begin?

You can complete a SWOT Input Form using this website. By gathering and recording data online, SWOT analysis is faster, more efficient, and typically collects more diverse and accurate information.

When you click on the statement "Proceed To The Swot Form" below you will have access to the online SWOT Input Form.