Chapter 4: SWOT AnalysisOverview

Capstone Project Guide

IntroductionThis chapter is an analysis of your

organization’s strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and an evaluation of the SWOT analysis for the organization.

There is a total of three sections in this chapter

You will reference this analysis again in chapter 5 when formulating your recommendations.

Key things to keep in mindYour SWOT analysis is the key to a solutionBalance strengths/weaknesses against

opportunities/threatsBased on the overall balance, include evaluation of

your company’s positive or negative positionIn your evaluation, determine if the company can

remain profitableFurther evaluate whether the company can turn its

weaknesses into strengths and its threats into opportunities

Furthermore, refer to the “SWOT Checklist” Table 1 in the Hill & Jones

Factors of your analysis Your SWOT Analysis will consider the following factors: Planning, Organizing,

Leading, Controlling , Porter’s Five Forces Model, and Macro-environment forces So with your analysis you may consider any Leadership or Control problem as an

internal weakness. On the other hand, Planning or Organizing may relate to either an internal weakness or external threat. (Read the example in the guide, page 13)

You will focus on one primary weakness or threat while offering a brief review of the other elements of the SWOT analysis. For example, your thesis statement might point to a problem of

leadership (an internal weakness) so in your analysis you will offer a negative evaluation to the leadership component and focus much of your SWOT analysis on this primary internal weakness. You will provide a “positive” evaluation to the other components (planning, controlling, organizing, and external issues) while offering only a brief discussion for each of them.

Note: It may be possible for you to have more than one weakness or threat, that is okay…if leadership and planning are both the primary weakness then that is fine.

Also, your SWOT analysis discussion should include brief references to the theories and concepts learned throughout the BAS program. Make sure to refer the Research Theories and Concepts Guide.

Section I-Internal Weakness and StrengthsIn this section, you will outline the four elements

of management (leading, controlling, planning, organizing) and show how each function is related to a strength or weakness in the company.

You will outline evidence for problems (weaknesses) or strong points (strengths) in each component.

I won’t go into more detail therefore, it is your responsibility to read the guide for more information on what should be discussed in each element.

Section II: External Opportunities and ThreatsIn this section, you will focus on the challenges

inherent in the external environment. If these threats represent the primary concerns confronting the organization then focus much of the SWOT analysis on this section. However, if not, then provide a brief positive evaluation

So consider Porter’s Five Forces Model (See the guide for each component of this model), and consider the role of the macro-environment forces and how each factor is relevant (see the guide for each of the forces).

Section III: Evaluating the SWOT AnalysisIn this section you will do the following:

Discuss the company’s ability to achieve a competitive advantage by referring to the SWOT Analysis (Sections I and II) as well as the discussions of structure, controls, and corporate and business level strategies. For example, you address the companies ability to

address threats without making any changes or if you determine that company must change its leadership, controls, structure, etc, then discuss that as well.

Format of Paper8 to 9 pages (2400 to 2700 words)Title page-APAAbstractReferencesUse the checklist in your guide-highly

recommendedSee the chapter format for more information