Discussion: Preparing for a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis

Discussion: Preparing for a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis

As SWOT framework does not have a strictly defined structure, sometimes it becomes an art more than a science, which makes it difficult for practitioners to use SWOT and extract strategies from it.

— Sepehr Ghazinoory, Mansoureh Abdi, and Mandana Azadegan-Mehr, “SWOT Methodology: A State-of-the-Art Review for the Past, a Framework for the Future”

How does the statement above resonate with what you have learned about SWOT analysis thus far? This Discussion serves as preparation for the SWOT analysis you are conducting for your Course Project. How would you approach this part of strategic planning to address the unmet need you have identified?

To prepare:

Review the Learning Resources, including this week’s media presentation, focusing on the elements of a SWOT analysis.
Think about your Course Project and the data sources you could analyze to conduct a SWOT analysis at your selected location.
Reflect on who else, besides yourself, should be involved in conducting the SWOT analysis related to the identified unmet need.
Consider how values and experiences may influence perceptions related to SWOT analysis. Think about the specific group, unit, or organization that is the focus of your Course Project. How would conducting a SWOT analysis in this setting versus another affect the investigation? How would the involvement of certain individuals—and the lack of involvement by others—affect the analysis?

Post an explanation of your plan for conducting a SWOT analysis as part of your Course Project, including data sources that could be used. Explain how the setting and individuals conducting the analysis might influence the process and results of the SWOT analysis.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days by offering another strategy or aspect of analysis that could be included in their SWOT analysis.

Required Readings

Ghazinoory, S., Abdi, M., & Azadegan-Mehr, M. (2011). SWOT methodology: A state-of-the-art review for the past, a framework for the future. Journal of Business Economics & Management, 12(1), 24–48.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article provides a valuable introduction to SWOT analysis and presents a SWOT matrix for developing strategies.
Hamidi, K., & Delbahari, V. (2011). Formulating a strategy for a university using SWOT technique: A case study. Australian Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences, 5(12), 264–276.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

The author examines the application of SWOT analysis at a university.
Houston, K, T., Bradham, T. S., Muñoz, K. F., & Guignard, G. H. (2011). Newborn hearing screening: An analysis of current practices. Volta Review, 111(2), 109–120.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article provides an example of SWOT analysis related to early detection and intervention of hearing problems in newborns.
White, K. R., & Blaiser, K. M. (2011). Strategic planning to improve EHDI programs. Volta Review, 111(2), 83–108.
Retrieved from http://ajbasweb.com/old/ajbas/2011/December-2011/264-276.pdf

This article describes the methods used to conduct a SWOT analysis and then identify specific recommendations for action.
Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2013f). Focus on SWOT analysis [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu