The implemented of SWOT analysis can be very useful for decision-making, and the SWOT template enables initiative thinking, rather than instinctive reactions.
Normally, the template of SWOT analysis presented as a grid, comprising four sections: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. The following SWOT template includes sample questions, whose answers are inserted into the relevant section of the SWOT grid. The questions are examples, or discussion points, and obviously can be altered depending on the subject of the SWOT analysis. Note that many of the SWOT questions are also talking points for other headings - use them as you find most helpful, and make up your own to suit the issue being analysed. It is important to clearly identify the subject of a SWOT analysis, because a SWOT analysis is a perspective of one thing, be it a company, a product, a proposition, and idea, a method, or option, etc.
Here are examples of what a SWOT analysis can be used to assess:
- a company (its position in the market, commercial viability, etc)
- a method of sales distribution
- a product or brand
- a business idea
- a strategic option, such as entering a new market or launching a new product
- a opportunity to make an acquisition
- a potential partnership
- changing a supplier
- outsourcing a service, activity or resource
- an investment opportunity
Be sure to describe the subject for the SWOT analysis clearly so that people contributing to the analysis, and those seeing the finished SWOT analysis, properly understand the purpose of the SWOT assessment and implications.