SWOT analysis

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SWOT Template Digital

SWOT analysis as a digital template from ConWISE

Approach

  1. First, you define the topic or subject you want to analyze. This can be an organizational unit, but also a product, service or process.
  2. It is recommended to start with strengths and weaknesses. Always evaluate them in relation to the object under consideration (internal factors).
  3. After that, capture the opportunities and threats that are influenced by outside factors.
  4. Finally, sort the points in the order of their importance and influence (descending from top to bottom).

Description

With the help of the SWOT analysis, you have the opportunity to find out the strengths and weaknesses of your company, your department or your products. Furthermore, the method compares the opportunities and risks in relation to the environment and the competition. The SWOT analysis is one of the best-known and most frequently used methods in management. The abbreviation SWOT stands for

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

Thematic classification

Internal and external factors are analyzed using the SWOT method. In this respect, it is part of strategic management.

Who benefits from this method?

  • Management
  • Organizations
  • Companies
  • Departments
  • Projects
  • Product manager

Practical tips

  • It can be helpful to first get an overview of the external factors.
  • The ConWISE platform also offers the PESTEL method for an environmental analysis. This includes political, economic, social, technological, ecological and legal factors.

Limits of Application

The SWOT analysis is intended as a starting point for discussions. On its own, it gives no direct indication of improvement. Only the consideration of combinations of the individual results brings further insights.

Alternative methods:

Six Thinking Hats Method

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Six Thinking Hats Template

Six Thinking Hats Method

Procedure for the Six Thinking Hats method

  1. They usually start with a positive view of your desired solution, project, or plan. You record the benefit first (yellow hat). If necessary, already select topics for rational review (white hat). Or remember topics for which a creative view (green hat) is required.
  2. The next step is to switch perspectives to identify the negative aspects or objections (black hat). Again, you can have tasks for the “white hat” or “green hat” point of view.
  3. After you’ve grasped the pros and cons, get creative. This is how you improve solutions and address the negative arguments (black hat).
  4. The white hat supports previous findings with facts and figures.
  5. For a final evaluation, the emotional gut feeling of the red hat is used.

Description

The Six Thinking Hats method helps you to take different perspectives. This increases the support for your decisions. You evaluate a possible decision based on six directions, each of which is marked by a colored hat. The perspectives are Positive Thinking (Yellow Hat), Creativity (Green Hat), Emotions (Red Hat), Rational Assessment (White Hat), Admonition/Caution (Black Hat), Control/Process (Blue Hat).

The method was developed by Edward de Bono.

Thematic classification

The Six Thinking Hats method helps to make and evaluate decisions.

Who benefits from this method?

  • Organizations
  • Companies
  • Teams
  • Agile units
  • Projects

Practical tips

  • Using Six Thinking Hats in a team allows you to…
    • … assign the hats (perspectives) to different team members
    • … or to put the entire team in the respective perspective one after the other.
  • The blue hat coordinates the different perspectives and is perceived by the moderator.
  • Changing perspectives several times during the session is not uncommon.
  • You can add new arguments at any time.

Limits of Application

The Six Thinking Haste method requires a strong role for the facilitator. Especially if it is conducted as an online session. Discipline in processing is required from team members.

Alternative methods:

Brainstorming

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Brainstorming Template

Brainstorming Approach

proceed

  1. First, describe the topic you want it to be about. In this way you prevent misunderstandings among the participants.
  2. The participants collect ideas or give their feedback on the given topic.
  3. If you received a large amount of feedback, you have the opportunity to select the most relevant results for your purpose. This step is not mandatory for the actual brainstorming. But facilitates further handling of the results.

description

Brainstorming (or brainwriting) is one of the most popular ways to generate ideas and input on a given topic. Use it when creativity is required or you are looking for fresh ideas. ConWISE offers a digital brainstorming template for teams.

Thematic classification

Brainstorming is a method for finding creative solutions. The method is also suitable for uncomplicated use in workshops.

Who benefits from this method?

  • Management
  • Teams
  • Visionaries
  • Employees

Practical tips

  • The digital template from ConWISE can support the development of corporate strategies.
  • Teams can work with the template remotely or in online sessions or workshops.
  • Give a specific time frame for the brainstorming.
  • On the ConWISE system, you can easily invite experts inside and outside the company to brainstorm. Information and results from other (current) sessions are protected and not visible to third parties.
  • Always think of a clear description of the topic / goal, this is the prerequisite for achieving good results in the end.
  • If possible, arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss the entries together. This way you avoid different interpretations.
  • If you have received a large number of results, you should always make a selection.
  • Do not judge feedback according to “good” or “bad”, but rather whether it is more or less useful for the specific purpose.

Alternative methods:

TOWS Matrix

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From SWOT Analysis to TOWS Matrix

From SWOT to TOWS

Application of the TOWS Matrix

  1. First, you define the topic or subject you want to analyze. This can be an organizational unit, but also a product, service or process.
  2. After that, do a SWOT analysis .
  3. They then combine the results of two SWOT analysis fields. This results in 4 combinations that form a matrix. For each combination, there is a special question to consider:
    • Strengths & Opportunities: How can you use your strengths to seize opportunities?
    • Weaknesses & Opportunities: How can you address your weaknesses to take advantage of opportunities?
    • Strengths & Threats: How can you use your strengths to defend against threats?
    • Weaknesses & Threats: How can you eliminate vulnerabilities to counteract threats?

Description of the TOWS Matrix

The TOWS Matrix is based on the classic SWOT analysis. The results of the company’s strengths and weaknesses and the resulting opportunities and risks are compared in a matrix. Each combination of SWOT fields results in a specific strategic thrust for each matrix field:

  • Strengths & Opportunities: Focus on maximum success
  • Weaknesses & Opportunities: catching up on the competition
  • Strengths & Threats: Defending Success
  • Weaknesses & Threats: Securing existence

Thematic classification

With the help of the TOWS matrix, the consequences of the analysis results come to the fore. In this respect, it is part of strategic management.

Who benefits from this method?

  • Management
  • Organizations
  • Companies
  • Departments
  • Projects
  • Product manager

Alternative methods: