(Optional) Explain the concept of SWOT analysis

Explanation should include the concepts that a SWOT analysis

  • identifies
    • internal strengths—entrepreneurial ability and contacts
    • internal weaknesses—results of lack of money, training, time, experience
    • external opportunity—luck, creative advantages to get ahead of competition
    • external threats—anything that might be bad for business (e.g., competitors, legal problems)
  • analyzes the internal and external environments of a business.

Process/Skill Questions: 

  • What is the main purpose of a SWOT analysis?
  • How can a SWOT analysis help a business identify its competitive position?
  • How can a SWOT analysis be used to improve a product/service?
  • How is a SWOT analysis beneficial to brainstorming ideas for a new business venture?
  • How often should an entrepreneur perform a SWOT analysis? Why?
  • How can SWOT be used to set short-term goals? Long-term goals?
  • How can an entrepreneur use a SWOT analysis to gain market share from a competitor?
  • How can an entrepreneur use a SWOT analysis to determine growth areas for a new business venture?
  • What is an environmental scan? How could it help an entrepreneur?
  • Why is it important to identify the risks you face and include them in your business plan?
  • What advantages can a business have over its competitors?
  • Why must a business look at threats and weaknesses as possible opportunities?