SWOT ANALYSIS DEFINITION

SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective (According to Wikipedia Encyclopedia | the definition of SWOT analysis). The technique is credited to Albert Humphrey, who led a convention at Stanford University in the 1960s and 1970s using data from Fortune 500 companies.

A SWOT analysis must first start with defining a desired end state or objective. A SWOT analysis may be incorporated into the strategic planning model. Strategic Planning, including SWOT and SCAN analysis, has been the subject of much research.

• Strengths: attributes of the person or company that are helpful to achieving the objective(s).

• Weaknesses: attributes of the person or company that are harmful to achieving the objective(s).

• Opportunities: external conditions that are helpful to achieving the objective(s).

• Threats: external conditions which could do damage to the objective(s).

Identification of SWOTs are essential because subsequent steps in the process of planning for achievement of the selected objective may be derived from the SWOTs.

First, the decision makers have to determine whether the objective is attainable, given the SWOTs. If the objective is NOT attainable a different objective must be selected and the process repeated.

The SWOT analysis is often used in academia to highlight and identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It is particularly helpful in identifying areas for development

SWOT | TOWS ANALYSIS of MICROSOFT

This about Microsoft SWOT Analysis.

Strengths

1. Some strengths of Microsoft are its name recognition and its rapid product development. The Microsoft Office productivity suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) are widely used throughout the business community. Microsoft is also known for releasing new product updates and product fixes throughout its network.

Weaknesses

2. Microsoft did not recognize the growth opportunities of the Internet; therefore, Google was able to get a foothold in the search engine arena.

Opportunities

3. Microsoft is expanding into the video game market by producing items such as the Xbox.

Threats

4. Microsoft has numerous court battles with other entities regarding antitrust and software developer lawsuits.
Next steps

5. With Microsoft, as with any company that performs a SWOT analysis, the next steps are to begin to work to enhance strengths, minimize weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities and address threats.