SWOT ANALYSIS...From my notes
SWOT ANALYSIS:
Biz’s can use the SWOT ANALYSIS when evaluating themselves and their competitors.
It is a very useful tool in biz planning
SWOT stands for:
STRENGTHS-the things that a biz does better than its competitors
WEAKNESSES-the things that the biz does not do as well as its competitors.
OPPORTUNITIES-That can arise from the external biz environment.
THREATS-That can arise from the external biz environment.
Figure 3.27: Questions asked in the SWOT analysis
STRENGTHS-does the biz have?
• Enough financial resources to operate freely?
• A good reputation with the customers and suppliers
• A competitive advantage in a particular area
• Well developed management skills
WEAKNESSES-does the biz have?
• Outdated technology?
• A poor reputation in the marketplace?
• A limited product/service offering?
• Poor strategies?
OPPORTUNITIES-does a biz have?
• Entering new markets with our products?
• Developing new products for a growing demand?
• Improved economic conditions?
• Poor competition?
THREATS-Is there a possibility of?
• New competitors entering the market?
• Change in govt. regulations?
• Increasing interest rates?
• Cheaper substitute products?
By answering these questions, a biz can work out its COMPETITVE ADVANTAGE, as well as future directions and strategies.