SWOT Analysis

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EA3 artifact S-4: Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) Analysis.

This analysis looks at the enterprise by identifying internal and external factors which when mapped can reveal areas for improvement and focus.

The Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) Analysis takes a holistic look at the enterprise by identifying internal and external factors which when mapped can reveal areas for improvement and focus.

Example

One of the earliest activities the enterprise performs in developing a strategic plan is a ‘Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat’ (SWOT) Analysis. This analysis looks at internal and external factors to determine areas that the enterprise should focus on to increase its survivability and success, as well as areas that the enterprise should avoid, or decrease its exposure to. The results of the SWOT Analysis should be summarized in the Strategic Plan along with the matrix table illustrated below, and the full SWOT Analysis is archived in the EA Repository as a separate primitive artifact (S-2). The following is an example of a way to summarize a SWOT Analysis.

Figure 6-3: Example ofa SWOT Analysis Summary Table
Figure 6-3: Example ofa SWOT Analysis Summary Table

From the identification of Internal Strengths (S), Internal Weaknesses (W), External Opportunities (O), and External Threats (T) for the enterprise, a matrix arrangement like the example above can help to reveal internal and external areas to focus on. This SWOT Analysis is also used to help enterprise architects and strategic planners to develop Concept of Operations (CONOPS) scenarios that detail current and future operating environments.

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