SWOT analysis
A SWOT analysis is a strategic-planning framework that maps Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats into a 2×2 matrix to support decision-making.
In depth
SWOT was developed at the Stanford Research Institute in the 1960s and remains the most-used strategic planning tool. Strengths and Weaknesses are internal; Opportunities and Threats are external. Filling out the matrix forces a structured assessment of where to invest, what to defend, and what to watch.
Modern variants extend the basic 2×2 with a TOWS matrix (matching internal factors to external ones for strategy), a SOAR (positive-only) variant, and PESTLE (political/economic/social/technological/legal/environmental) for the external scan.
OpenCharts ships a SWOT template family with pre-laid-out 2×2 grids you can populate with AI suggestions or fill manually.
Also known as
Want to put this concept to work in OpenCharts?
Use a SWOT templateRelated terms
Mind map
A mind map is a radial diagram that organizes information around a central idea, with primary branches for major themes and sub-branches for supporting details.
Process map
A process map is a visual representation of a workflow that documents the sequence of steps, decision points, and handoffs needed to complete a business outcome.