Introduction to SWOT Analysis

Presentation by Prof. M Ajoy Kumar & Mr. Manu T U

What is SWOT?
It is a planning tool used to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats involved in a business. It is used as part of Strategic Planning Process

Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning helps an organisation to answer some basic and critical questions like: a) Where we stand? b) What is our goal? c) How to reach the desired goal? d) How to evaluate performance?

The Environment
The actions of an organisation /institution are influenced simultaneously by two factors: a) Internal Environment: People, systems, infrastructure, capabilities, culture etc. b) External Environment: Political, legal, social, economical, technological etc.

Internal Environment
Analysis of Internal Environment leads to identification of: a) Strengths: Positive aspects which are within the control of the institution. b) Weaknesses: Constraining factors that hinder the institutions ability to achieve its desired goals.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Contributing Factors: People (Teachers/Staff/Students) Programmes (UG/PG/Doctoral) Properties (Assets/Infrastructure/Lab) Processes (Teaching/Research)

Strengths
Highly competent faculty with Ph.D. Modern laboratories & equipments Unique programmes offered Value adding additional programmes Reputation & brand image Examination & Evaluation Process Research projects/Consultancy Industry interactions

Weaknesses
Lack of competent/qualified staff Inadequate facilities/labs Outdated syllabus/courses Lack of industry orientation Weak employability of students Lack of research activities Internal Funding difficulties for projects

External Environment
Analysis of External Environment leads to identification of: a) Opportunities: Attractive factors that help an institution to develop & improve b) Threats: Factors beyond the control of an institution that potentially damage the present existence and future development

Opportunities & Threats

Contributing Factors: Technological Economic Legal/Regulatory Social Demographic Political

Opportunities
Growing demand for various courses Growing demand for Technically qualified people New Technology Developments Research opportunities in specialised and niche areas Collaborations with industry Collaborations with institutes of higher learning (national & international)

Threats
Competition from new entrants at local, national & international level Decreasing scope for some programmes Change in Technology Declining availability of qualified faculty Decline in the overall quality of student intake Tight regulatory measures

Strengths How to leverage? Weaknesses How to overcome? Opportunities How to exploit? Threats How to defend? SWOT provides clarity on where we stand & in which direction we should move SWOT leads to development of shortterm & long-term objectives.

Why SWOT?

In the Absence
Hidden strengths not utilised Weaknesses not identified & taken care Opportunities missed Unprepared to face threats

While doing SWOT

Strengths Modest & Clearly identifiable Weaknesses Exhaustive Opportunities Realistic & Identifiable Threats Clearly identifiable

KRAs
Enhancing quality of PG Programmes Starting new PG Programmes Strengthening Doctoral Programme Strengthening R & D activities Enhancing consultancy projects Industry Institute Interactions Collaboration with other institutes of higher learning (national & foreign) Centre of Excellence in a chosen area

After SWOT
Link strengths to action plan to create sustainable competitive advantage Propose specific action plan to overcome weaknesses Develop action plan to take advantage of opportunities Develop action plan to defend the threats

How to proceed?
Select a coordinator Create a SWOT Team Brainstorm (all stakeholders) Record all suggestions Consolidate ideas Clarify ideas & prioritise Summarise into a SWOT Document

Questionnaire circulated

Practical Aspects
Confusing factors Overlapping areas Identity Crisis Central Vs. Departmental Aspects

Thank You