An organization often analyzes the following: How to develop a product, complete a project and solve a problem. The question then arises: How to carry out the above actions? The first step is to set a goal then define the objectives, constraints and finally describe the limits of the action (What are the necessary elements that should be there in a project? What is the deadline? What is the budget?). We must then establish a strategic plan to achieve the objectives. But how? In many organizations, a study of the environment can define the strategies of the project. Why? Today, organizations are increasingly complex (economic, human, political, competitive). Thus, it is essential for an organization to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats involved in a project. The analysis where the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are determined is known as SWOT analysis.
In this study, we will answer the following questions:
What is SWOT analysis?
What are the targets of SWOT analysis?
How do we make use of SWOT analysis?
SWOT: Is it a good tool to define guidelines?
To answer all these questions, we begin this study by describing the generality of SWOT and then we will see the steps to conduct a SWOT analysis and provide guidelines for a project. In the last part, this tool is analyzed to know if it is a good tool or not for an organization.
[...] Critical analysis Figure Article Purpose of this article: SWOT analysis is described as an essential tool for an organization. Only Phil Hardwick explains why it is essential for an organization. He takes the example of the organizations that did not clearly analyze their weaknesses and threats and which had to undergo major problems. With an example, we can understand the essentiality of the SWOT analysis. Phil Hardwick tries to convey two things. Firstly, he wants to show us that the environment and more particularly the threats and the weaknesses are indispensable in an organization. [...]
[...] Therefore, with a brainstorming session, we cannot construct a SWOT matrix. It requires a deeper study of the environment. Secondly, lack of information can also be a problem for the organization. Thus, the strategic lines may be poorly defined. The main goal of the tool is to define the guidelines of the project in a clearer manner. So, it is essential for implementation of major projects. If the guidelines are not specified, the organization will suffer. And at the end, the goal of the project will not be met. [...]
[...] “Once the SWOT analysis has been completed, thought can be given to how to turn weaknesses into strengths and threats into opportunities”. (Jobber, D P48) With the help of the SWOT matrix, we can define the strategies that are involved in a project. We can analyze the transformation of our weaknesses into strengths, the threats to opportunities and finally our strengths to opportunities. Figure Confrontation Matrix We can then make the following matrix: The matrix of confrontation. Strategies that pursue opportunities which match the company's strengths. [...]
[...] Description of SWOT analysis General Different strategies are involved in a project or business venture. One of the first steps of this strategic plan is to analyze the environment. plan effectively, it is necessary to be very logical when analyzing the data. An organization must differentiate between those items that are likely to affect its performance significantly and those which will have little effect. Treating the internal audit data separately from the external data allows the significant data to be classified under four headings: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.” (Adcock, D. [...]
[...] This case has described a tool to define the environment in order to draft a guideline: SWOT analysis. Through the study of the internal environment (strengths and weaknesses of the organization) and the study of the external environment (threats and opportunities), it is possible to define the guidelines of a project. The environment is complex and it is not easy to define clearly the four elements of the SWOT analysis. Therefore, we must respect the rules when using the SWOT matrix and especially spend time to do it. [...]
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