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SWOT Analysis Learning Activity
Hand out the SWOT Reading Material (shown below) to the learners and have them read and discuss it (about 30 minutes).
Once the above activity is completed, divide the learners into small groups (3 to 4 learners per group). Note that the small groups should be composed of learners who are in departments that normally work together on projects.
Tell them they are going to be introducing a new product or service. Note that the instructor will have to discuss this activity with the learners' leaders before the class begins, as you need to identify a new product or service with the managers.
The small groups will use the SWOT tool to (about 1 hour):
- Develop a matrix to identify strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats.
- Develop strategies for introducing the new product or service.
- List the tactics for actually creating or producing the new product or service.
Once they have completed the activity, bring the small groups back together and have them discuss their plans and critique each other. (about 30 minutes)
SWOT Reading Material
A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool created by Albert Humphrey to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or business venture. It involves specifying the objective and then identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective:
Note that there are four factors in the SWOT analysis:
- Helpful — Strengths and Opportunities
- Harmful — Weaknesses and Threats
- Internal — The Strengths and Weaknesses are internal to the organization
- External — The Opportunities and Threats are external to the organization
The SWOT analysis is used to match strengths to opportunities and convert weaknesses or threats into strengths or opportunities or at least make them manageable:
Next Steps
Read: Strategy and Tactics
Return to the Leadership Training and Development Outline