SWOT Analysis (COVID Edition)

This is a four-step model used to organise thinking and planning in many areas of business.

SWOT itself stands for (with an example scenario of CHS planning its strategy for the next few years):
Strengths - These might be good exam results, the number and qualifications of the staff, good facilities etc.

Weaknesses - If results are less good or there are problems with staffing or facilities, these may go here.

Opportunities - Perhaps another nearby school might like to join our school group, or a newly-built housing estate offers the possibility to increase student applications, or there is an option to apply for extra funding or something.

Threats - These could include difficulties caused by new government legislation, problems caused by changes to the local infrastructure (like roads etc), other schools if they are managing to be more successful and appealing and so on and so forth.

and is a form of planning used to assess products and briefs to identify any challenges you may have.

This apparently links to an incomprehensible number of different units and LOs but it's living happily here for now.

Here's a graphic:

This is a useful thing because it provides a simple, organised structure for thinking thoroughly through the client/product within wider context: the internal factors and how they relate to the environmental factors.
It prompts reflection on existing issues while also prompting consideration of the future.
It allows prioritisation, preventing people from getting carried away following a bigger goal if there are serious threats and weaknesses in the way first.

It allows a coherent overall strategy to be formed, allowing the team to understand how the eventual plan will work and benefit the client and product. (How strengths will be used to balance weaknesses, combat threats and take up opportunities).

SWOT Analysis in the Children's Shoe Brief:

Strengths - The nature of the product and requirements means we don't necessarily need a large budget.

Weaknesses - We will almost definitely have to work with children, which can be restricting and difficult.

Opportunities - We have the chance to find an audience who will stick with us for the foreseeable future if we produce marketing materials which are of a high enough standard.

Threats - Competing shoe companies will also be aiming to make their marketing as good as it can be.