Using SWOT for Project Team Planning Sessions

Several years ago, we started to experiment with the classical business tool SWOT (analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) as a framework for discussions in project workshops (see Horn, Niemann et al. 1994). Meanwhile, we have used SWOT in different contexts, for instance for the analysis and planning in projects for small agro-industry development, irrigation, and nature conservation in Asia, Africa and Latin America, as well as business consulting in Eastern Europe. From these practical applications, a "standard" application procedure has emerged. It can be used as a simple structure for discussions within a project team, e.g. when

· defining the project strategy at an early stage of its existence;

· re-assessing a project strategy in preparation of discussions with a team of evaluators; or

· internally preparing a later, more formal planning exercise involving the different stakeholders in project implementation.

What, when and why