SWOT Analysis
An introduction to SWOT
5
Threats
A threat is something that you consider may prevent you reaching your goal.

Analysis Criteria
Consider how acheivable your goal is, the difficulties faced, the consequences of not addressing any weaknesses - account for possible change to your circumstance and external influences.

Prioritise your threats in terms of how likely they will occur and the impact on your goal - Work out actions to reduce the chance of occurance and a back-up plan if the threat becomes real.
4
Opportunities
Opportunities are potential routes to reaching and exceeding your goal.

Analysis Critera
Identifying opportunities is the first step to realising them - think creatively and exhaust all possibilities to provide the broadest options.

To identify an apportunity consider your strengths in relation to your goal - account for possible change to your circumstance and external influences.
2
Strengths
A strength could be a personal ability, knowledge, skill, your resources or maybe advantageous circumstances.

Analysis Critera
Personal strengths can be drawn from life experience, character traits, educational and career acheivements. Qualify your strengths by comparing to others who might be in a similar situation - ask those who know you well for their opinion.

Advantageous circumstance may include social connections and resource access.
3
Weaknesses
Weakness is a gap or deficit in either the skill, knowledge or resources required to achieve your goal.

Analysis Critera
Consider what the goal requires and note any gaps and uncertainities - exhaust the options for 'filling the gaps' which may involve self improvement, drawing on the knowledge and skills of other people, or using external resources.
1
Goal
A SWOT analysis can be applied to broad and focused goals alike. Its main purpose is to help you build a clear picture of what you want to achieve and reveal any opportunities that could be pursued as well as bring awareness to any threats that need to be managed.

It consists of a simple grid as shown in the illustration - complete each quadrant with a list of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

See slide 2 for a simple SWOT example
1
Goal
A SWOT analysis can be applied to broad and focused goals alike. Its main purpose is to help you build a clear picture of what you want to achieve and reveal any opportunities that could be pursued as well as bring awareness to any threats that need to be managed.

It consists of a simple grid as shown in the illustration - complete each quadrant with a list of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

See slide 2 for a simple SWOT example
2
Strengths
A strength could be a personal ability, knowledge, skill, your resources or maybe advantageous circumstances.

Analysis Critera
Personal strengths can be drawn from life experience, character traits, educational and career acheivements. Qualify your strengths by comparing to others who might be in a similar situation - ask those who know you well for their opinion.

Advantageous circumstance may include social connections and resource access.
3
Weaknesses
Weakness is a gap or deficit in either the skill, knowledge or resources required to achieve your goal.

Analysis Critera
Consider what the goal requires and note any gaps and uncertainities - exhaust the options for 'filling the gaps' which may involve self improvement, drawing on the knowledge and skills of other people, or using external resources.
4
Opportunities
Opportunities are potential routes to reaching and exceeding your goal.

Analysis Critera
Identifying opportunities is the first step to realising them - think creatively and exhaust all possibilities to provide the broadest options.

To identify an apportunity consider your strengths in relation to your goal - account for possible change to your circumstance and external influences.
5
Threats
A threat is something that you consider may prevent you reaching your goal.

Analysis Criteria
Consider how acheivable your goal is, the difficulties faced, the consequences of not addressing any weaknesses - account for possible change to your circumstance and external influences.

Prioritise your threats in terms of how likely they will occur and the impact on your goal - Work out actions to reduce the chance of occurance and a back-up plan if the threat becomes real.