SWOT Analysis Template

State what you are assessing here ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(This particular example is for a new business opportunity. Many criteria can apply to more than one quadrant. Identify criteria appropriate to your own SWOT situation.)

criteria examples strengths weaknesses criteria examples

Advantages of proposition? Disadvantages of proposition?

Capabilities? Gaps in capabilities?
Competitive advantages? Lack of competitive strength?
USP's (unique selling points)? Reputation, presence and reach?
Resources, Assets, People? Financials?
Experience, knowledge, data? Own known vulnerabilities?
Financial reserves, likely returns? Timescales, deadlines and
Marketing - reach, distribution, pressures?
awareness? Cashflow, start-up cash-drain?
Innovative aspects? Continuity, supply chain
Location and geographical? robustness?
Price, value, quality? Effects on core activities,
Accreditations, qualifications, distraction?
certifications? Reliability of data, plan
Processes, systems, IT, predictability?
communications? Morale, commitment, leadership?
Cultural, attitudinal, behavioural? Accreditations, etc?
Management cover, succession? Processes and systems, etc?
Philosophy and values? Management cover, succession?

criteria examples opportunities threats criteria examples

Market developments? Political effects?

Competitors' vulnerabilities? Legislative effects?
Industry or lifestyle trends? Environmental effects?
Technology development and IT developments?
innovation? Competitor intentions - various?
Global influences? Market demand?
New markets, vertical, horizontal? New technologies, services, ideas?
Niche target markets? Vital contracts and partners?
Geographical, export, import? Sustaining internal capabilities?
New USP's? Obstacles faced?
Tactics: eg, surprise, major Insurmountable weaknesses?
contracts? Loss of key staff?
Business and product development? Sustainable financial backing?
Information and research? Economy - home, abroad?
Partnerships, agencies, distribution? Seasonality, weather effects?
Volumes, production, economies?
Seasonal, weather, fashion
influences?

Alan Chapman 2005-08. Free working file (doc) version and information about SWOT analysis methods are available at www.businessballs.com/swotanalysisfreetemplate.htm.
This is a free resource from www.businessballs.com, which contains lots more useful tools, diagrams and materials. Not to be sold or published.