SWOT Analysis Process: Definitions for and Relationships Among the Factors

Differentiating between factors of internal and external origin impacts how useful the resulting analysis will be to informing other components of your strategic plan. Keep in mind the difference.

Internal factors are those present within agencies represented on the Team. Consider factors that are embedded in the way the agency operates and interacts with youth in transition. Look at the Strengths and the Weaknesses as they relate to collaborating across agencies to benefit transition youth.

External factors are those present in the wider community, outside of agencies represented on the Team. Look for opportunities to collaborate with atypical partners, such civic organizations, city and county government offices, and community agencies

Internal Origin:

Factors, forces or dynamics which are present within one, some or all of the agencies represented on your Core Team.

Strengths:

Characteristics of one, some or all of the agencies on your Team that provide an advantage for sustaining and extending multi agency planning practices in your locale.

Example: At least one of the agency representatives on your Team has participated in a multi agency transition planning meeting with an individual youth.

Weaknesses:

Characteristics of one, some or all of the agencies on your Team that provide a disadvantage for sustaining and extending multi agency planning practices in your area.

Example: One of the agencies on your Team recently experienced changes in personnel and new leaders or employees are just getting acclimated to their different roles and responsibilities.

External Origin:

Factors, forces or dynamics which emanate from the environment outside of one, some or all of the agencies represented on your Core Team.

Opportunities:

Elements from the environment beyond your Team that the Team could exploit toward an advantage for building the region’s capacity to collaborate across systems to support transition youth.

Example: There has been a recent groundswell from commuters to improve the public transportation system county-wide. County government is asking for input, which presents an opportunity to bring the transportation needs of youth and adults with disabilities into the discussion.

Threats:

Elements from the environment beyond your Team that could undermine or be a detriment to building the region’s capacity to collaborate across systems to support transition youth.

Example: Government leaders in the area submitted a grant for state and federal funding to be used to upgrade roads and build a commerce park to attract new light manufacturing businesses to the area. The grant was not selected for funding.