Models of Decision Making

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MODELS OF DECISION MAKING:

 SWOT Analysis Model

 Poster’s Five Forces Analysis

 PEST Analysis

SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis is the most common and renowned model for decision making in the business world today. It is used for conducting the audit, study and analyze the overall strategic position of the business and the environment in which the business operates SWOT is an abbreviation of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. The main objective of SWOT analysis is to devise the best strategy for the organization, using it to prepare the business model for the company while keeping in view the resources, capabilities and constraints that are applicable. It is in fact used to assess the internal potential of the organization and how it can be utilized to exploit the avenues available in the environment. It takes into consideration all the favorable and unfavorable factors associated with the organization. This tool when used consistently can help in the predicting the future outcome and including those forecasts in the organization’s strategy.

Conducting SWOT analysis is not a complex task but includes a very simple and interesting activity. It also includes brainstorming sessions. SWOT analysis may be used to develop the business idea, assessing an opportunity to make an acquisition, analyzing a potential partnership or making decision about a brand, product, an investment opportunity. SWOT analysis is conducted using a template which is usually in the form of a grid and consists of four sections.

An example of the template is produced below:

STRENGTHS

Financial Resources

Human Resource

Market Access

Brands

Patents

Copy Rights

Technology

Infrastructure

Quality

Cost minimization

Effective management

Geographical edge

Expertise and Experience

Backward and Forward Integration

Other assets WEAKNESS

Cash shortage or lack of access to financial resources

Lack of access to market

Incompetent human resource and management

Lack of infrastructure

Non availability of technology

Lack of competitive strengths

Ineffective supply chain management

Narrow Product Range

Poor Decision Making

Huge Debts

High employee turnover

Obsolete equipment

Complex decision making process

Large wastage of raw material

OPPORTUNITIES

New market

New Government policy or change in recent policy

Lifestyle or industry

Niche market

Increase in level of income of individuals

New Products and services

THREATS

Political factors

Legislative issues

Environmental factors

High turnover of staff

Takeover by a big giant

New technology by competitor

Disagreement with key contractors and customers

Seasonal impacts

Change in attitude, tastes or lifestyle

International market impacts on local market

Change in the market demand

Ever changing technology

Price war leading to decrease in profitability

Increased competition leading to access capacity

Lets have a view on each of the four factors:

Strengths:

Strengths are the competitive edge or the capabilities an organization has to be utilized when competing with its competitors.

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