articleLong Range PlanningFeb 22, 2023HYBRID OA

The origins of SWOT analysis

RWRichard W. PuytFBFinn Birger LieCPCeleste P.M. Wilderom

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences · University of Twente

Indexed incrossref

Abstract

The origins of SWOT analysis have been enigmatic, until now. With archival research, interviews with experts and a review of the available literature, this paper reconstructs the original SOFT/SWOT approach, and draws potential implications. During a firm's planning process, all managers are asked to write down 8 to 10 key planning issues faced by their units. Each manager grades, with evidence, these issues as either safeguarding the Satisfactory; opening Opportunities; fixing Faults; or thwarting Threats: hence SOFT (which is later merely relabeled to Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, or SWOT). Subgroups of managers have several dialogues about these issues with the instruction to include the…

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228
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60.12
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100%
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121
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Authors

3

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • SWOT analysis
  • Context analysis
  • Process (computing)
  • Process management
  • Business
  • Safeguarding
  • Software deployment
  • Strategic planning
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