The SWOT Matrix
A firm should not necessarily pursue the more lucrative opportunities. Rather, it may have a better chance at developing a competitive advantage by identifying a fit between the firm’s strengths and upcoming opportunities. In some cases, the firm can overcome a weakness in order to prepare itself to pursue a compelling opportunity.
To develop strategies that take into account the SWOT profile, a matrix of these factors can be constructed. The SWOT matrix (also known as a TOWS Matrix) is shown below:
SWOT / TOWS Matrix
| ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS | INTERNAL | ||
| Strengths | Weaknesses | ||
| EXTERNAL | Opportunities | S-O strategies | W-O strategies |
| Threats | S-T strategies | W-T strategies | |
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- S-O strategies pursue opportunities that are a good fit to the company’s strengths.
- W-O strategies overcome weaknesses to pursue opportunities.
- S-T strategies identify ways that the firm can use its strengths to reduce its vulnerability to external threats.
- W-T strategies establish a defensive plan to prevent the firm’s weaknesses from making it highly susceptible to external threats.
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