Conduct a SWOT Analysis
For the first assignment, identify an organization for which a comprehensive SWOT analysis will be completed. You should note the organization selected will be used throughout the entire course. The organization selected for this assignment and future assignments should be one that will benefit from a technology-based improvement identified in a later assignment.
Then, write a report that provides details regarding the SWOT analysis you have completed by addressing the following:
Describe the four quadrants of a SWOT analysis.
Discuss internal and external factors.
Explain how internal and external factors may correlate.
Include a table of the SWOT analysis conducted.
Select two opportunities and describe how organizational strengths may allow for strategic growth.
Length: 3 to 5-page analytical paper, not including the title page or reference page
We will call the organization “Mapping All Crime” as it will be the place holder for the organization assignments for the entire course. It is a platform that uses data science to gather information about crime around the country (United States of America) from news articles, police departments, and credible tips. Please
Extra Info about the assignment.
Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) Analysis
This capstone course requires you to ultimately produce a comprehensive strategic implementation plan for an organization of your choosing. You will review certain components of the strategic plan weekly as you build toward the final project.
One aspect of your strategic plan will be a SWOT analysis. The acronym SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The strengths and weaknesses are internal factors and represent strengths and weaknesses that are present within the organization. Opportunities and threats are external factors and represent potential opportunities and threats that face the organization. When completing a SWOT analysis, a matrix similar to Table 1 is often used. The matrix may be visually different, but the foundational SWOT elements are always present.
Strengths represent the things the organization does well. Strengths can be things that are known to set the organization apart from competitors positively. Examples of internal strengths could be a proprietary manufacturing process, an app store with few competitors, and/or key personnel.
Weaknesses represent the things the organization could improve upon. When undertaking a SWOT analysis, particularly in a team environment, there can be a tendency to be less than forthcoming regarding deficiencies within the organization. This behavior is detrimental to the overall SWOT process and can undermine the ultimate result. Internal weaknesses must be carefully considered and honestly reported to have an effective SWOT.
Opportunities represent external factors the organization may be able to leverage to increase market share or build goodwill. Opportunities may be external factors that may be leveraged in the short-term or may be more forward-looking and represent long-term trends.
Threats also represent external factors. Unlike opportunities, threats represent factors that may negatively impact the organization and cause loss of market share (or worse). Threats, like the other SWOT elements, can come in many forms. Examples of threats can include (but certainly not limited to) the pace of technological change, shifting consumer behavior, and geopolitical changes.
Once internal strengths and weaknesses are identified, and external opportunities and threats are identified, these elements are used together to help begin forming an overall organizational strategy. The SWOT elements can be used independently to help improve the organization. Using the elements together, however, is how the SWOT is most effective. For example, an organization may identify strengths that may allow them to best capitalize on external opportunities.