1, 5, 10-Year Plan

SWOT Analysis

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

The major function of completing a SWOT analysis is to gain a fresh and honest perspective about a particular area. The end result is that you will have completed an in-depth evaluation and analysis about your subject matter area. The results of this analysis will be a

foundation upon which you can build.

Identify key issues in these areas. Strengths: To identify strengths, consider some of the following criteria:

- Resources and assets (including people as assets) - Experience, knowledge, and data - Innovation aspects - Processes, systems - Unique selling points - Capabilities - Competitive advantages

Weaknesses: To identify weaknesses, consider some of the following criteria:

- Disadvantages of proposition - Gaps in capabilities - Lack of leverage or competitive strength - Reputation, presence, and reach - Internal known vulnerabilities - Timetables, deadlines, and pressures - Continuity and consistency while maintaining quality - Effects on core mission and vision - Morale and commitment

Opportunities: To identify opportunities, consider some of the following criteria:

- Environmental developments and changes - Partner vulnerabilities (needs that we can impact) - Industry and lifestyle trends - Technology development and innovation - New markets - Target markets - What are you doing that no one else is doing? What services can you provide that are meeting a specific need that no one

else is able to meet? - What service and “product” development is unique and well executed? - What partnerships have been able to garner support and action?

Threats: To identify threats, consider some of the following criteria:

- Political effects - Environmental effects - IT developments - Competitor intentions - Market demand from external audiences - Sustaining internal capacities to achieve current and future workload and goals - Insurmountable weaknesses