A SWOT analysis can be used in many ways. Two case studies are offered below to illustrate what a SWOT analysis might look like in different situations: a more detailed level, using a soft drinks manufacturer as an example, and a simpler level, using a children’s charity by way of example. In any particular situation, the style and detail of the analysis will depend on the goal.
Case study 1: a detailed SWOT analysis
Company A has one major competitor in the marketplace, a soft drinks manufacturer called Soft Drink Co. To understand where Company A stands compared to their competition, they conduct a SWOT analysis on Soft Drink Co using publicly available information.
Strengths
Our competitor has been a complex part of American culture for over a century. The product's image is loaded with over-romanticizing, and this is an image many people have taken deeply to heart. The competitor image is displayed on T-shirts, hats, and collectible memorabilia. This extremely recognizable branding is one of competitor's greatest strengths.
According to independent research, our competitor bottling system is one of their greatest strengths. It allows them to conduct business on a global scale while at the same time maintain a local approach. The bottling companies are locally owned and operated by independent business people who are authorized to sell products of the competitor. Because they do not have outright ownership of its bottling network, its main source of revenue is the sale of concentrate to its bottlers.
Weaknesses
Although domestic business as well as many international markets are thriving, our competitor has recently reported some declines in unit case volumes in the far east due to reduced consumer purchasing power. According to an article in Business magazine, in India, unit case sales fell 4% in the second quarter...scary because while India generates around 5% of worldwide volume, it contributes three times as much to