"a framework for identifying the internal strengths (S) and weaknesses (W) of a firm, and the external opportunities (O) open to it and the threats (T) it faces, which can be used by corporate planners in formulating the firm's COMPETITIVE STRATEGY and MARKETING STRATEGY in individual product markets and its overall BUSINESS STRATEGY."
excerpted from "SWOT Analysis." Collins Dictionary of Business. London: Collins, 2006. Credo Reference. 18 August 2009.
Other descriptions of SWOT Analysis
Sources for ready-made SWOT Analyses:
NOTE: There is not a ready-made SWOT analysis available for every company. If you can't find one, consider searching for a competitor or related company and evaluate whether or not the same factors apply to the company you're researching. Even for a company with an existing SWOT analysis, the researcher should consider expanding or updating the analysis.