Before answering this week's questions

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HMLS304.zip

HMLS304_wk6_part 2.htm

Once the planning team has gathered relevant data it is time to put that data to work. Through the analysis process, the planning team identifies broad themes and strategic issues from which the goals and objectives will emerge. While there are a number of analysis tools that planning teams use to analyze data, the most commonly used method is the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) or Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Challenges (SWOC) analysis.

As mentioned, the output of this process is identification of broad strategic issues from which the planning team will develop goals, objectives, and tactics to address the issue. For example, a Homeland Security organization may identify long-term funding uncertainty as a strategic issue. Additionally, Homeland Security organizations might identify a new or emerging threat (e.g., cyber attacks, the opioid crisis) through this process that needs to be addressed.

Through the analysis process, the planning team identifies:

  • strengths of the organization (internal);
  • weaknesses of the organization (internal);
  • opportunities to improve the community (external); and
  • threats or challenges that threaten the viability of the organization (external).

A common approach is to have planning team members write their findings on a sticky note and place it in a blank SWOT analysis matrix. From there, the facilitator groups all the notes and, eventually, strategic issues emerge (NACCO, 2010). The figure below illustrates a common SWOT analysis matrix.

SWOT Analysis Matrix divided into four quadrants: Internal Strengths; Internal Weaknesses; External Opportunities; External Threats.

SWOT Analysis

Source: NACCHO, 2010

 

After completing the SWOT analysis, the planning team identifies the strategic issues that impact the organization. These strategic issues then drive goal formulation and develop the overarching strategy for the organization and community (NACCHO, 2010). This analysis phase is key in setting up the remainder of the Strategic Planning process.

 

 

References:

NACCHO (National Association of County & City Health Officials). (2010). Developing a local health department strategic plan: A how-to guide.

HMLS304_wk6_swot.png