Abstract
An organization often analyzes the following: How to develop a product, complete a project and solve a problem. The question then arises: How to carry out the above actions? The first step is to set a goal then define the objectives, constraints and finally describe the limits of the action (What are the necessary elements that should be there in a project? What is the deadline? What is the budget?). We must then establish a strategic plan to achieve the objectives. But how? In many organizations, a study of the environment can define the strategies of the project. Why? Today, organizations are increasingly complex (economic, human, political, competitive). Thus, it is essential for an organization to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats involved in a project. The analysis where the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are determined is known as SWOT analysis.
In this study, we will answer the following questions:
What is SWOT analysis?
What are the targets of SWOT analysis?
How do we make use of SWOT analysis?
SWOT: Is it a good tool to define guidelines?
To answer all these questions, we begin this study by describing the generality of SWOT and then we will see the steps to conduct a SWOT analysis and provide guidelines for a project. In the last part, this tool is analyzed to know if it is a good tool or not for an organization.
Extract
[...] Treating the internal audit data separately from the external data allows the significant data to be classified under four headings: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats." (Adcock, D. & Halborg, A. & Ross, C P407) As we read in this citation, the goal of the environment analyze is to understanding our environment in order to have few elements whose will have an effect on the project. This allows for targeting key components of the project. There are two environment elements in an organization: Internal and external environment. [...]
[...] Description, Available at : http://www.12manage.com/methods_swot_analysis.html. [...]
[...] Through the study of the internal environment (strengths and weaknesses of the organization) and the study of the external environment (threats and opportunities), it is possible to define the guidelines of the project. The environment is complex and it is not easy to define clearly the four elements of SWOT. Therefore, we must respect the rules for using the SWOT matrix and especially take time to do it. Thus, it seems essential that we must correctly analyze the environment to define the guidelines of a project. So, SWOT analysis allows this. [...]
[...] Here is what the authors say about the SWOT analysis. For my point of view, I think that this method can use with certain conditions but I notice a lot of problems. First, I think that SWOT is a simple tool to use in theory but can be used on simple projects with a simple environment. Indeed, with complex environments, it is difficult to describe the environment and it can be difficult to distinguish between internal and external. It is difficult to select key elements in complex environments where there is a lot of information. [...]
[...] This author describes the SWOT as an essential tool for an organisation. Like other authors. But, Phil Hardwick explains clearly why it is essential. He gives us few counterexamples with real facts. There are their real facts that have interested me in this article. Also, he takes the example of organizations that did not clearly analyze their weaknesses and threats and who had major problems later. With real example, we more understand the essentiality of SWOT. And it is that why, I choice this article: The author's arguments are stronger. [...]
