Academic SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is a tool used to help an organization's strategic planning process. The goal is to highlight an organization's internal strengths (S) and weaknesses (W), and its external opportunities (O) and threats (T). The SWOT tool can be compiled for a department or an entire organization.

Construction

A SWOT tool is a four-square box; the top row contains the strengths and weaknesses, while the bottom row contains the opportunities and threats.

Input

Solicit organizational stakeholders for their input. For example, include students, faculty, trustees and community leaders for their input. Each group will have a different and valuable perspective of the school.

Strengths/Weaknesses

A school can identify its strengths by asking questions such as "What does the school do better than anyone else" or "What advantages does the school have?" A weakness for an academic institution could be its course offerings. For example, online schools do not offer as many diverse courses as traditional brick-and-mortar schools.

Opportunities/Threats

What societal trends are occurring that the school is not taking advantage of or what opportunities are being missed? An opportunity for a school could be to offer courses to senior adults. A decrease in financial aid funding could affect a school's budget.

Process

Do not attempt to problem solve during the creation of the SWOT analysis. At a later date, return to the SWOT to prioritize the items, allocate resources, and create a work plan to enhance strengths, capitalize on opportunities, minimize weaknesses and address threats.

References

• SWOT Analysis
• SWOT Analysis
• Montana State University

Resources

• SWOT Analysis Template
• SWOT Analysis
• Iowa State University