SWOT Analysis: Definitions, Example & Templates

SWOT Analysis: Definitions, Example & Templates


A SWOT analysis is a technique used in strategic planning to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a business using a SWOT matrix. It captures the internal and external factors that make up the business environment of a company to provide an overview of its current state or current situation. Strengths are one of the two internal factors to map out in your SWOT analysis, while weaknesses are the second half of the internal review. Opportunities are the first half of the exploration of external factors impacting your business or project. Threats are external factors in the business environment that can harm your project or organization.

ProjectManager has dozens of free project management templates that address every stage of a project. Download your free SWOT analysis template for Word today and get started on your strategic planning. The SWOT matrix is a term used to describe the structure in which the SWOT analysis is reported. It is divided into four quadrants that represent strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the project or organization. Why use SWOT?

It can help explore new solutions to a problem as it identifies barriers that limit goals and objectives. An example of a SWOT analysis in the real world is a soda company that is well-established in the marketplace. The company should develop and market a health-conscious beverage sooner than later to remove the tarnish to their brand and open up a huge potential for growth. The next step is to take this data and build a strategy based on it.