Swot Guide

User's Guide for SWOT Analysis

What is SWOT? SWOT is the acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It is an easy-to- use tool that has been around for quite some years. Different organisations use it in different ways. A Red Cross/Crescent version was developed when we started to produce tools for institutional analysis of a National Society.

SWOT can be used, for example: | As an initial analysis of the situation of a National Society: to identify the main strengths and weaknesses of the organization, as well as the most important outside opportunities and threats emanating from its working environment; | To go into more depth concerning a specific activity or program. Example: refugee operation, first-aid training, health programs, youth, etc. | To analyze a problem area in more detail. Example: lack of money | For doing a quick analysis, or "reality check" before proceeding with a project or program especially if the planned activity involves some risk and/or investment of time and money. SWOT is very effective when applied to a specific objective or project. For example: We will recruit and train 200 first aid volunteers in the next 18 months, or We will double our income from commercial activities in two years. A SWOT analysis can reveal hidden obstacles to a planned project, especially when participants come from different departments or geographical areas in the same organization. In the same way, SWOT can identify positive elements that may not be readily evident. Used properly, SWOT can generate valuable data quickly and be an example of "strength in numbers".

C:\TEMP - ~ME2A78.lwp - 15 April 2000 - Page 1

How to conduct a SWOT analysis: role of the facilitator Two different ways of using this method are presented here. For both you need flip chart paper and markers. For the second you also need post-it stickers or cards (and some glue) in four different colors.

1. Example: Project analysis Divide a flip chart page into...