Typical SWOT analysis consists of creation of lists for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Visualizing relationships between the SWOT categories can be difficult and when performed is typically related to two dimensions, internal influences (strengths and weaknesses) versus external influences (opportunities and threats). Generally, the classical technique used relates the proposed strategies or actions within the two dimensional (four block) relationship framework. Often a strategy to address an opportunity or threat will be influenced by both strengths and weaknesses of the organization, thus resulting in duplication within the blocks. The four block approach also does not maintain related actions in a logical grouping. This paper proposes a mechanism for showing relationships between the SWOT categories as well as proposed strategic actions without duplication and while maintaining logical groupings. The context for development and application of the mechanism was planning for the future of a university program. However, the technique has potential application beyond academics for presenting an integrated SWOT analysis.
