SWOT analysis
Business evaluation framework
SWOT analysis is a strategic planning framework that evaluates Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats—the first two being internal factors, the latter two external.
Businesses use it to assess their competitive position: The SWOT analysis revealed we had strong brand recognition but lacked online presence.
The method applies beyond business to any situation requiring systematic evaluation of advantages and challenges.
- opportunitiesFavorable times to act
- weaknessesPoints of vulnerability
- risk assessmentEvaluating likelihood of harm
- strategic planningDefining organizational direction systematically
- contingency planningPreparing for possible problems
action plan · brainstorm · sticky notes · flipchart · decision-making · strategy session · team meeting · stakeholder engagement · whiteboard · competitive advantage · quadrant · threats · matrix · feasibility studies · key performance indicators · boardroom · gaps · benchmarking
SWOT analysisgut instinct
Immediate unreasoned knowing
intuition · flying blind · winging it · guesswork · shooting from the hip
SWOT analysisfinancial statement
Formal fiscal summary document
balance sheet · income statement · cash flow analysis · internal audit
SWOT analysisguesswork
Conclusions drawn without proof
coin flip · hunch · whim · blind luck · wishful thinking
analysis, analyst, strengths, analyzed, analyzing, analytical, analysts, analytics, analyte