1. Strategic Planning and Visioning: SWOT Technique

2. SWOT Strategic Planning Process
Factors Internal
to program
Strengths
Weakness
Opportunities
Threats
Determine strengths and weaknesses inside the institution while evaluating threats and opportunities outside the institution (SWOT or OTSW Analysis)
The S and the W are INTERNAL
The O and T are EXTERNAL.
Traditionally, facilitators begin with the organization’s Strengths and Weaknesses and then move out to the external Opportunities and Threats. Recent thinking prompts consideration first of the opportunities and threats existing in the “outside world” against which the institution can leverage its strengths and find conviction to correct its weaknesses. We like this reversal of the traditional order because it helps an organization place itself in context.
Factors External
to program

3. Brainstorming Questions
What opportunities exist in the external environment?
What threats to the institution exist in the external environment?
What are the strengths of the company?
What are the weaknesses of the company?
This will emerge from our following guiding question after Strategic Planning.
What facilitators do not do:
Back a particular opinion voiced in the group
Offer their own opinions
Let the group unconsciously shy away from a difficult area
Lead the group towards what he/she thinks is the right direction

4. S – Strengths W – Weaknesses O – Opportunities- T – Threats
SWOT Analysis
S – Strengths
W – Weaknesses
O – Opportunities-
T – Threats

5. SWOT: Internal Factors
Strengths
Positive tangible and intangible attributes, internal to an organization.
They are within the organization’s control.

6. Strengths What do you do particularly well?
What do you do that is unique in the “marketplace?”
What do your customers/clients/patrons ask for you to do over and over again?
What do you have the right tools/resources to accomplish? (1)

7. Weaknesses Weaknesses
Factors that are within an organization’s control that detract from its ability to attain the core goal.
Which areas might the organization improve?
What do you not feel as comfortable doing?
What is needed resources, staff, or skills do you lack? (1)

8. SWOT: External Factors
Opportunities
External attractive factors that represent the reason for an organization to exist and develop.
What opportunities exist in the environment, which will propel the organization?
Identify them by their “time frames” (1)

9. Opportunities
Are there new situations coming down the road that you can take advantage of (new programs being offered, new faculty joining the department, new tools available to you)?
Are there gaps in the “market” that you can fill?
Are there partnerships that might be fruitful? (1)

10. SWOT: External Factors
Threats
External factors, beyond an organization’s control, which could place the organization mission or operation at risk.
The organization may benefit by having contingency plans to address them if they should occur.
Classify them by their “seriousness” and “probability of occurrence”. (1)

11. Threats
Who is your competition and what do they offer that you can’t do as well or at all?
Are there “environmental” changes or situations that could cause problems for you and your programs?
What other roadblocks are being thrown in your path?

12. SWOT MATRIX Opportunities-external 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Threats-external
Strengths-Internal
Weaknesses-Internal
What are the Threats and Opportunities present in the external environment that effect this program?
What are the Strengths and Weaknesses present inside the institution that effect this program?

13. S W T O SWOT ANALYSIS Primary factors Strengths Weaknesses
Advantages
Experience, knowledge
Unique caracteristics
Resources
Geographical advantage, location
Competence, capabilities
Quality, reputation
Weaknesses
Disadvantages
Gap in experience, knowledge
Financial aspects
Reliability and trust
Loss of key staff
Geographical factors O T
Opportunities
Strategic alliances, partnerships
Product development
Import, export
Innovation an technology development
Threats
This is an example text.
Loss af alliances and partners
Price infaltion/deflation
Strong competition
Competitors new products and innovation