SWTO Analysis approach applied to CICS
Introduction
“SWOT Analysis, is a strategic planning tool used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieving that objective” (wikipedia). As some people understand the acronym as SWOT, Dr. Jay Gillette portrays SWOT as SWTO. He believes it’s important to start with an inventory of our strengths, then weigh our weakness. Then from our weakness we have a clear view of threats to ourselves and our organization, and we can see where our strengths give us encouragement and protection (Gillette, 2006, p. 11). I believe SWTO is very useful in providing information that is helpful in matching a company or a businesses resources and capabilities to the competitive environment in which it operates.
Introduction
“SWOT Analysis, is a strategic planning tool used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieving that objective” (wikipedia). As some people understand the acronym as SWOT, Dr. Jay Gillette portrays SWOT as SWTO. He believes it’s important to start with an inventory of our strengths, then weigh our weakness. Then from our weakness we have a clear view of threats to ourselves and our organization, and we can see where our strengths give us encouragement and protection (Gillette, 2006, p. 11). I believe SWTO is very useful in providing information that is helpful in matching a company or a businesses resources and capabilities to the competitive environment in which it operates.
Applying SWTO to CICS
The SWTO analysis approach can be applied to CICS and the academic department in many ways. First we can start out by breaking up the SWTO approach and applying it to CICS. Strengths in the SWOT approach is your competitive advantage over other universities. CICS is a very unique program that many schools do not have. We are one in a few that have a social learning program, and have strong alumni communication standings. Strength I see CICS and their competitive advantage on other schools is the type of class we offer, they range from telecommunication to Human communication. CICS is developing individuals to be well rounded.
Weakness is another type of SWTO analysis, and I do not believe in weakness I consider them improvements. CICS made it 21 years and still moving forward, but need some improvements along the way. I believe that the course the center has to offer is center around one path you can take. To improve this I believe the CICS should offer multiple paths that will encourage more students to participate and want to see what CICS has to offer. Another improvement I believe CICS can make is offering more variety of classes; I think this will help the center competitively and economically.
Threats are the factors that might affect your business. Threats are beyond your control. Some threats that I see might affect CICS is another school offering a better curriculum. On the other hand, university may have a better curriculum but they can’t stop CICS teaching staff. CICS has a variety and well known industry professors that brings value to the center.
Opportunities assess the external attractive factors that represent the reason for your business to exist and prosper. These are external to your business. The opportunities that your business has reflect on your potential to realized your market growth, lifestyle changes, resolution of problems associated with current situation, positive market perceptions about your business, or the ability to offer greater value that will create a demand for your services (N/A/ 2004). CICS has amazing opportunities that they offer their students and alumni. They realize the potential in the students they enroll and what they will become once they graduate.
SWOT analysis benefits CICS
SWTO is very beneficial to CICS because it offers additional insight into the condition and potential of the program. Also, it would give insight on where the center is now, and where it wants to be in the future.
Conclusion
The results of your analysis will be a better understanding of how to leverage your strengths and take advantage of perceived opportunities or to respond to the threats and how to compensate for known weaknesses.
Reference
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (N/D). SWOT analysis. Retrieved July 3, 2007 from, Website:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SWOT_analysis
bplans.com (2004, July 13). How to Perform SWOT Analysis. Retrieved July 3, 2007 from, Web site:http://www.bplans.com/dp/article.cfm/148
Gillette, J. E (2006). Strategy Development for the Information Economy: A Practical Guide to Coordinated Action through Time. (p 11)