SWOC
What Is a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Challenge Analysis (SWOC)?
SWOC analysis is now defined as a strategic planning method used to research external and
internal factors which affect company success and growth. Firms use SWOC analysis to
determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of their firm, products, and
competition.
“T” in SWOT changed to be “C” for SWOC
Because the term Threat is originated from military strategy, using “C” as Challenge or
Constrains is recommended to create more positive attitude.
Challenge is replaced to represent an obstacle that can be achieved and using the motivation
mind set to overcome your competitor’s PowerPoint/s.
SWOT or, SWOC analysis still serving the same needs, however changing your team mindset
while the strategic meeting would be very energetic to create more valuable results.
Also find some guidelines for your next SOWT/C analysis.
A realistic recognition of the weaknesses and challenges that exist for your effort is the first step
to countering them with a robust and creative set of strengths and opportunities. A SWOC
analysis identifies your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges to assist you in
making strategic plans and decisions.
SWOT is a simple yet comprehensive way of assessing the positive and negative forces within
and without your organization, so you can be better prepared to act effectively. The more
stakeholders you involve in preparing the SWOT, the more valuable your analysis will be.
Whatever courses of action you decide on, the four-cornered SWOT analysis prompts you to
move in a balanced way throughout your program. It reminds you to:
Build on your strengths
Minimize your weaknesses
Seize opportunities
Counteract challenges
A SWOC analysis will be most helpful if you use it to support the vision, mission, and objectives
you have already defined. The SWOC will at least provide perspective, and at best will reveal
connections and areas for action and operational functions.
How often can you do SWOC analysis?
Existing businesses can use a SWOC analysis to assess their current situation and determine a strategy to
move forward. But, remember that things are constantly changing and you'll want to reassess your
strategy, starting with a new SWOT/C analysis every six to 12 months.
T makes you Halt, C pushes you Gear-up
What is SWOT and SWOC analysis explain?
A SWOC analysis identifies your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges to assist you in
making strategic plans and decisions to move forward.
SWOT is a simple yet comprehensive way of assessing the positive and negative forces within and
without your organization for your better understanding.
Threats from the SWOT have changed into Challenges. That is a positive change. It is not just positive,
but Right Change as well. To solve a problem, one needs to change the attitude. If we try to deal with a
problem, a threat with the same attitude that created it - we shall definitely fail. hence, time to change
the approach - the lens through which we see the 'PROBLEM'. Call it a challenge and you will see an
eligibility to participate in the efforts and perseverance.
The Fourth part of SWO is C - coming as Challenges. This change from Threats to Challenges is the core
of the modern Positive Thoughts where we know that we cannot demolish the existence of something
by fighting it directly. We have to carve out our own version which, when placed in comparison, can
stand out with success. Threats as a term bring negative connotations and seem to forbid us from
participating in the cause. So, the world is shifting to a less harsh understanding and more of a self-
motivational interpretation.
How to design the SWOC analysis?
Strengths
Strengths are entered in the top left square of the matrix. They are essentially the competitive
advantages that the business possesses, and include the unique resources to which it has access,
operational procedures it has perfected, technologies it owns and its unique selling point. Examples are
strong brands, popularity, cost advantages, patents and access to rare natural resources.
Weaknesses
Weaknesses take up the top right square. They are the factors that place the business at a disadvantage
against its competition. Lack of certain strengths could even be a weakness. The perception of others is
also important. For example, a poor reputation among customers could be harmful to a business and is
definitely a weakness. Knowing its own weaknesses allows a business to identify factors it should avoid
in building strategic plans if it can't convert them into strengths.
Opportunities
Opportunities, which are listed in the bottom left square, indicate external factors that the business can
take advantage of. Trends related to the business could be counted as opportunities, as could changes in
government policies and regulations. Social shifts and changing demographics also can be sources of
opportunity, along with new technologies, relaxation of regulations and the competition's dissatisfied
customers. Businesses can build their strategic plans around opportunities.
Challenges
The bottom right square reflects challenges that a business might face. Here you might find a
consideration that has also been listed as an opportunity -- new technologies, for example. Tightening of
regulations, changes in consumer demands, newer products and a changing competitive landscape can
pose challenges.
Considerations
SWOC analysis can be applied at the overall organizational level, at a business segment level, or even at
the product level. The outcomes can vary at each level, so it is important to decide which level to apply
it to right from the start. SWOC analysis need not be limited to businesses. It is useful in any scenario --
including personal matters -- that requires an analysis of the environment to reach a decision.
