...By understanding the weaknesses of your business, you can manage and eliminate threats that would otherwise catch you unawares. More than this, by looking at yourself and your competitors using the SWOT framework, you can start to craft a strategy that helps you distinguish yourself from your competitors, so that you can compete successfully in your market. Strengths: Consider your strengths from both an internal perspective, and from the point of view of your customers and people in your market. •What advantages does your organization have? •What do you do better than anyone else? •What unique or lowest-cost resources can you draw upon that others can't? •What do people in your market see as your strengths? Weaknesses: •What could you improve? •What should you avoid? •What are people in your market likely to see as weaknesses? •What factors lose you sales? Again, consider this from an internal and external basis: Do other people seem to perceive weaknesses that you don't see? Are your competitors doing any better than you? Opportunities: * What good opportunities can you spot? * What interesting trends are you aware of? Useful opportunities can come from such things as: * Changes in technology and markets on both a broad and narrow scale. * Changes in government policy related to your field. * Changes in social patterns, population profiles, lifestyle changes, and so on. * Local events. * Tip: A useful approach when looking at...
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...Roger’s Chocolates SWOT II. SWOT Analysis • Employee Interest and Devotion to Company ◦ Some of Rogers Chocolate Employees were third generation employees and were proud and passionate about Rogers heritage and commitment to quality. They believed in the Brand and its image. • Leadership with Experience ◦ Parkhill who had previously worked as the VP for Maple Leaf Foods was in charge of six plants and 2,300 employees. Has a Ivy League MBA and has extensive work in Sales, Marketing and Operations. • Progressive Management Team ◦ Management consists of members who will work extra hours and are very efficient in their respective fields. Phoenix has had a tenure since 1994 and is very dedicated to Rogers by working extra hours and helping out at stores that are short of staff. Wong works with manufacturing and Food Science and had worked in the industry before Rogers. Bjornson worked with Pacific Coach Lines as the CFO and worked their finances especially in the areas of reorganization, acquisitions and dispositions. 3. Consumer Loyalty • Customers are loyal to Rogers because they have an emotional connection that relates them to Rogers. This revolves around the II. SWOT Analysis experience that Rogers tries to promote, especially in their gift line. 4. Social Awareness • Part of the workforce at Rogers is comprised of disabled individuals who help out in production. 5. Revenues and Margins • Margins...
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...SWOT Analysis is a useful technique for understanding your Strengths and Weaknesses, and for identifying both the Opportunities open to you and the Threats you face. Used in a business context, a SWOT Analysis helps you carve a sustainable niche in your market. Used in a personal context , it helps you develop your career in a way that takes best advantage of your talents, abilities and opportunities. This article looks at how to use SWOT in a business context. (Click here to learn how to do a Personal SWOT Analysis .) Business SWOT Analysis What makes SWOT particularly powerful is that, with a little thought, it can help you uncover opportunities that you are well placed to exploit. And by understanding the weaknesses of your business, you can manage and eliminate threats that would otherwise catch you unawares. More than this, by looking at yourself and your competitors using the SWOT framework, you can start to craft a strategy that helps you distinguish yourself from your competitors, so that you can compete successfully in your market. How to Use SWOT Analysis Originated by Albert S Humphrey in the 1960s, SWOT Analysis is as useful now as it was then. You can use it in two ways – as a simple icebreaker helping people get together to "kick off" strategy formulation, or in a more sophisticated way as a serious strategy tool. Tip: Strengths and weaknesses are often internal to your organization, while opportunities and threats generally...
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...SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGHTS= 1) Buying an existing storage facility that has been on this same site since 1997. 2) Facility is located on 1 of only 2 highways that go through Weatherford. 3) This business comes with a rental property next door= a 3bdrm home that is currently rented. ($700/mo.) WEAKNESS= 1) This facility has no current climate control. 2) It also has an inadequate level of security. 3) Also no covered RV/Boat storage. OPPORTUNTIES= 1) Currently layout and land availability allows for expansion to include covered rv/boat storage & build some climate control units. 2) With software upgrade will offer customers multiple payment options other than cash or ck. THREATS= 1) There are currently 5 other storage facilities on the same highway with in a 6mile radius. 4ambient and 2 climate control. 2) Other facilities running special deals/rates. STRAYEGY 1) EXPANSION-BIULD COVERED RV/BOAT STORAGE; BUILD 25 CLIMATE CONTROLED UNITS. 2) REMODEL-PAINT, LANDSCAPING, NEW FENCE, NEW LIGHTS. 3) UPGRADE TECHNOLOGY- STORAGE BUSINESS SPECIFIC SOFTWARE, PAYMENT OPTIONS, SECURITY (MORE/NEW CAMERAS). 4) ON-SITE 24HR MANAGER-A) COUPLE (MGR & MAINTANCE); B) SINGLE/RETIREE-NEED PART-TIME MAINTIANCE; C) ONE OF US THE OWNERS WORK OR ROTATE UNTIL FIND MGR. 5) REVENUES-A) KEEP CURRENT LONG-TERM CUSTOMERS AT THEIR CURRENT RATES (12MONTHS); B) NEW TENANTS AT A HIGHER RATE ($65.00 INSTEAD OF $35.00). 6) ADVERTISEMENT- A)DESIGN WEBSITE;...
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...|criteria examples |strengths |weaknesses |criteria examples | | | | | | |Advantages of proposition? | | |Disadvantages of proposition? | |Capabilities? | | |Gaps in capabilities? | |Competitive advantages? | | |Lack of competitive strength? | |USP's (unique selling points)? | | |Reputation, presence and reach? | |Resources, Assets, People? | ...
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...In recent decades, many companies has used SWOT and PEST analysis as useful techniques to identify its status and its environmental influences. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats; PESTLE stands for Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal, Environmental. This essay will mainly focus on the similarities and differences between a SWOT analysis and a PEST analysis and elaborate the reason why a company can use a PEST analysis. Some advantages and disadvantages of using these two analyses are very similar. For example, people take these two analyses as simple framework which enable organisations to recognise its opportunities and entirely exploit its resources. SWOT analysis and PEST analysis also need people to be involved to acquire multiple perspective since one person’s view could be insufficient. However, both analyses require appropriate sources of information and it could be costly and time consuming and the data is possibly based on assumptions. Differences of these two analysis could be its objective. A PEST analysis mainly focus on measuring a market; a SWOT analysis focus on measuring a business project or idea. For example, PEST analysis will only identify the external factors such as current economy, unemployment rate, national election and population's growth rate. On the other hand, SWOT analysis mainly analyze both internal and external factors such as unique resources which companies have, weaknesses, government policy...
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...SWOT and Strategy Evaluation: Fitness Centers Industry Amberly Locke PHL/320 September 14, 2015 Carolyn Harrison It today’s society, “going to the gym” has become a normal phrase heard around the world; however, the fitness center industry is not exactly in the spot light of today’s media and headline news. So, that sparks the interest of what makes the fitness center industry succeed, what are their strengths. What about the fitness center industry in the future; are there weaknesses that could ultimately cause them to fail as a whole? What about opportunities that could add to their success? Are there threats that lean on the shoulders of those managing such an industry? With all this curiosity, a SWOT analysis needed to be done. Are you curious about those results? Are you curious about the future of your gym? Industry Background The fitness center industry only came to light in the 1970s and 1980s with simple cardio (running), and aerobics. Though, in the early 2000s an enormous growth occurred in the industry; in the beginning of the decade there were 16,938 combined gyms and clubs, and by January 2008, there were 29,636 combined gyms and clubs (Franchise Help, 2015). This industry comes in many shapes and colors, so to speak; there are large name-brand franchises such as LA Fitness, 24 Hr. Fitness, and the YMCA, there are small local gyms that are ran by neighbors and friends of a small town, and of course the private, elite country clubs and spas (First Research:...
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...SWOT Analysis According to the definition SWOT analysis is a tool used for auditing an organization and its environment. It’s a situation analysis were internal strengths and weaknesses of an organization, and external opportunities and threats faced by it are closely examined to a chart a strategy. The acronym SWOT stands for: S stands for strength, W stands for weaknesses, O stands for opportunities and T stands for threats. According to pg 58, “The goal of SWOT analysis is to match the company strengths to attractive opportunities in the environment, while eliminating or overcoming the weaknesses and minimizing the threats. Strengths help the company achieve objectives by including internal capabilities resources and positive situational factors. These capabilities can be used on the basis of building a competitive advantage. Weaknesses are also internal but, it includes the limitations and negative situational factors a company faces. Weaknesses can be viewed as the flip side of strength, but the company need to learn their weaknesses in order to turn that weakness into strength. Opportunities are trends or factors that are favorable in the external environment that a company may be able to take advantage of. Opportunities can help a company profits and also make it grow by continuing to look for new opportunities. Threats are the unfavorable external obstacles that a company may face. Companies should try and follow up on their weaknesses so it doesn’t become...
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...SWOT Analysis Strengths Our marketing plan for Camp Istrouma helps to point out several strengths in the company. These strengths include location, size, opportunities, long history, and a healthy market for Christian organizations in southern Louisiana. The camp features 162 acres of south Louisiana woodlands with miles of nature trails and a seven-acre recreational lake. Some of the activities offered at the camp include swimming, low rope, canoeing, and a climbing wall. The camp also has a detailed website that not only provides an abundance of information, but can also guide parents through the registration process. One of the camps most important strengths is the caring Christian staff that take pride in their strong leadership skills. Weaknesses The greatest weakness for Camp Istrouma is the opportunity cost that parents face when deciding which camp to send their kids to. The problem arises when the value of your camp has to outweigh the value of others. If your camp doesn’t outweigh the value of others, then parents may choose to send their kids elsewhere. Opportunities The opportunities lie in your ability to reach your market efficiently and effectively which would produce high demand and acceptance. There are several advertising techniques to reach your market. Some of these are radio, television, internet, and newspaper. Another opportunity for Camp Istrouma is fundraising. Incorporating fundraising into your marketing...
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...SWOT and Confrontation matrix | |Positive |Negative | |Intern |Strengths |Weaknesses: | | |S1. Excellent accessibility |W1. Dependent on money lenders | | | | | | |S2. International meeting place of considerable allure | | | | |W2. Negative publicity | | |S3. Dokmodel | | | | |W3. Expensive parking | |Extern |Opportunities |Threats: | | |O1. Growth in the student numbers |T1. Uninhabited houses/ unused offices | | | |T2. No room to expand | | ...
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...SWOT ANALYSIS ON Zappos.com - November 25th, 2010 Zappos.com is an online shoe and clothing shop. Currently based in Henderson, Nevada, United States, the company warehouse is located in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, along with an outlet store. Since its founding in 1999, Zappos has grown to be the largest online shoe store.Zappos did "almost nothing" in sales for 1999, but grossed over USD$800 million in merchandise sales in 2007 and grossed over $1 billion in 2009. In July 2009, under pressure to deliver a return to Sequoia Capital and its other investors, the company announced it would be acquired by Amazon.com in an all-stock deal; by the time the deal closed in early November, the deal was worth about $1.2 billion. The name Zappos is derived from the Spanish word zapatos, meaning shoes. Strengths * Effective communication * Innovation * Online growth * Loyal customers * Pricing * Unique products Strengths [list] [*]Effective communication [*]Innovation [*]Online growth [*]Loyal customers [*]Pricing [*]Unique products [*]Customer Service [/Great shipping Low fixed cost Strong brand unique company culture] Dummy Weaknesses * Weak real estate * Not too many Locations, throughout the US Weaknesses Weak real estate - what real estate? this is an internet co right? Not too many Locations, throughout the US Pricing: does not offer price comparison woow Opportunities * Innovation * Online * Takeovers Opportunities...
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...1. What were the main issues that were faced by M&S CEO Marc Bolland in 2013? * He was effectively given an ultimatum by one of the group's biggest shareholders on Monday to achieve an improvement in clothing sales by September or face calls for him to go. David Cumming, head of equities at Standard Life Investments told Radio 4's Today program: "He has to get his autumn range right, that's when the management changes that he's made will have an impact. I think the market will wait to see how that range, which doesn't really come through until six to nine months, is going to work. If that is poor then he'll be under a lot of pressure." A number of other leading investors are supporting the Cummings line but some want to see an earlier improvement in both leadership and sales. Analysts are also anticipating swifter action but Mr. Cummings, who has responsibility for Standard's 1.6pc M&S holding, believes the market has already taken account of the group's problems and is looking to see if any bidders are on the horizon. "So us and the market will wait but he is under pressure," he added. The beleagured Mr.Bolland had a torrid time after unveiling disappointing Christmas sales figures and enduring a damaging early leak of the figures. Sales of clothing and other ranges of general merchandise were down almost 4pc, with the result that like for like sales dropped 1.8pc. Mr.Bolland shrugged off questions about whether he would be announcing...
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...Strategy development by using SWOT - AHP Dijana Oreski1 1 Faculty of Organization and Informatics, University of Zagreb, Pavlinska 2, Varazdin, Croatia Abstract –This paper employs combination of SWOT analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in strategic planning for tourism of small mid-european city Varazdin, which is located in the north west of Croatia. SWOT analysis identifies internal and external factors which are prioritized by expert in tourism domain by means of AHP. The prioritized SWOT factors are used in strategies formulation using TOWS matrix. Results indicate that proactive communication strategy and isolation strategy with effective marketing promotional strategy were the best strategies that could have been implemented. Keywords – SWOT, AHP, strategy formulation. cases in the strategic management process. One of them is the SWOT analysis. This article explains the SWOT analysis, provides the theoretical background and an overview of the application of the SWOT analysis. As some authors have identified weaknesses of the SWOT, analysis is combined with a method for multi-criteria decision analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in order to avoid these disadvantages. Therefore, in the second part of the paper AHP method and SWOT AHP hybrid method are described. Following the basic steps method, SWOT AHP is applied to the example of the city of Varazdin strategic marketing plan definition. 2. SWOT analysis SWOT is an acronym of strength, weakness, opportunities...
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...A h Tools esearc to R Guide SWOT Analysis Eva Chen Paul Bruneski SWOT Analysis Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats History of SWOT In the 1960’s and 70’s, Albert Humphrey is said to have developed this strategic planning tool using data from the top companies in America at the time. A SWOT Analysis looks at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that are relevant to an organization in a new venture. A SWOT Analysis is a tool which allows users to look at the direction a company or organization may wish to move towards in the future. A SWOT Analysis is a useful tool, which in conjunction with others can help make informed decisions. Table of Contents History of SWOT Definition of SWOT 1 1 Internal and 2 External Factors Guides for using SWOT 2 Potential Uses of 3 SWOT Strengths & Weaknesses of the method 3 Example: SWOT 4 of British Airway Definition of SWOT By specifying clear objectives and identifying internal and external factors that are either helpful or not, a short and simple SWOT analysis is a useful resource which may be incorporated into an organizations strategic planning model. Strengths- Internal attributes that are helpful to the organization to achieving its objective Weaknesses – Internal attributes that are harmful to the organization to achieving its objective Opportunities – External factors that help the organization achieve its objective Threats - External factors that are harmful to the organization...
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...The Advantages of SWOT Analysis Because of the constantly changing conditions in the monetary market, the quick response to challenges becomes more and more important to all companies. However, in order to survive in the economic battle, business owners should make the best use of the SWOT analysis to gain a thorough overview of their business. The SWOT analysis is a management tool that is mainly for observing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of business. It can be used on companies, as well as on persons, to identify their internal and external elements, evaluate the overall conditions, and make strategies and future plans according to the results. As Simoneaux, and Stroud (2011) state in their article “SWOT Analysis: The Annual Check-Up for a Business” that one of the main benefits of the SWOT analysis is that it makes people thinking and preparing in advance to challenges, not the late solution to the problems(2011, p75). However, some people point out that because of the simplicity of either conducting the analysis or the analysis itself, the results of the SWOT analysis may not be as accurate as people think. Although SWOT analysis may not generate specific solutions to the existing or approaching problems, it still has the advantages of low cost, clarity of business‘s overall conditions, and the unlimitedness of applying to any kind of business. The one main advantage of SWOT analysis is the low cost. In recent marketplaces, nearly everyone can run...
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