What is it?

A strategic planning method/tool To match an organization or groups goals, programs, and capacities to the social environment in which it operates. To evaluate Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of a company or a product or even a person.

SWOT- Since When?

Devised by Albert Humphrey while working for Stanford Research Institute in 1960s Used data from Fortune 500 companies Took 9 years to develop this strategy Involved 5000 interviews..

Strengths S

- Global recognition

GE
Opportunities O -Mergers and acquisitions

-Global competitiveness -Excellent Management -Diversified lines of operation -Environmental initiatives

Weaknesses W

- Under-performing energy sector

-Threat to flexibility

SO Strategies - Diversify by M & A - Using R&D create more environment friendly products

SO Strategies - Venture into other sectors

-Research and development

ST Strategies Threats T - Competition -Financial crisis - Beat the competition with the brand - Management to be proactive and handle the crisis WT Strategies - Be flexible and avoid the damages of the crisis