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SWOT analysis

Once the standard regional and ICT profile, the eWork survey and the regional eWork push and pull factors have been surveyed, a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis can be undertaken based on the information obtained. SWOT is a decision-support method, which should be seen as part of an overall learning process.

First there is a need to articulate a draft vision (see full definition of a vision) for the organisation or region. An example of this might be ‘the promotion of eWork in the region (both quantitatively and qualitatively) that benefits economic and social life and promotes the welfare of both the individual and the region as a whole’. Such a draft vision, at least as a working concept at this stage, is necessary in order to provide a yardstick against which to assess the four elements of the SWOT analysis: (Karppi, Kokkonen, Lähteenmäki-Smith, 2001)

1. a strength is a resource or capacity the organisation/region has and which it can use effectively to achieve its vision. Actions and a strategy should aim to build on strengths.

2. a weakness is a limitation, fault or defect in the organisation/region that will keep it from achieving its vision. Actions and a strategy should aim to eliminate weaknesses.

3. an opportunity is any favourable situation in the organisation’s/region’s environment. Actions and a strategy should aim to exploit opportunities.

4. a threat is any unfavourable situation in the organisation/region’s environment that is potentially damaging to its strategy. Actions and a strategy should aim to mitigate the effect of threats.

Within a regional development strategy, the SWOT instrument can be used to highlight those dominant and determining factors, both within and outside the region in question, which are likely to influence the chances of achieving its vision, as well as to produce relevant strategic guidelines. Simply put, the aim of a SWOT analysis can be to increase the level of information and awareness and thus reduce uncertainty.

  Stages in the implementation of a SWOT analysis

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© 2002, Institute for Employment Studies