SWOT Analysis

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Background

Starbucks is one of the world’s largest coffeehouse brands, operating in over 80 countries. The company is known for its premium beverages, strong brand identity, and customer experience.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Strong global brand recognition.

Consistent product quality.

Loyal customer base.

Efficient supply chain.

Premium store experience.

Weaknesses

High product prices.

Dependence on urban markets.

Limited menu localisation in some regions.

Employee turnover in retail roles.

Vulnerability to commodity price fluctuations.

Opportunities

Expansion into emerging markets.

Growth in ready‑to‑drink beverages.

Digital ordering and delivery services.

Sustainability‑focused products.

Partnerships with local suppliers.

Threats

Intense competition from local cafés.

Economic downturns affecting discretionary spending.

Changing consumer preferences.

Regulatory changes in food and beverage sectors.

Supply chain disruptions.

Discussion Questions

How can Starbucks use its strong brand to expand into new markets?

Which weakness poses the biggest long‑term risk?

What strategic move should Starbucks prioritise next?

Background

Tesla is a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer known for innovation, autonomous driving technology, and sustainability‑focused products.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Strong innovation and R&D capability.

Market leadership in EV technology.

Powerful brand associated with sustainability.

Vertical integration.

Large global charging network.

Weaknesses

High production costs.

Quality control issues.

Overdependence on limited models.

Customer service challenges.

Supply chain complexity.

Opportunities

Growing global demand for EVs.

Government incentives for clean energy.

Expansion into emerging markets.

Energy storage and solar products.

Autonomous driving advancements.

Threats

Increasing competition from legacy automakers.

Regulatory scrutiny.

Raw material shortages.

Economic instability affecting car sales.

Technological failures or safety concerns.

Discussion Questions

Which opportunity should Tesla prioritise to maintain leadership?

How can Tesla reduce its weaknesses in quality control?

What threat could most disrupt Tesla’s growth?

1. Assignment Overview

This assignment requires you to conduct a comprehensive SWOT Analysis on a real organisation of your choice. The goal is to help you understand how internal and external factors influence strategic decision‑making in modern businesses.

2. Learning Objectives

By completing this assignment, you will be able to:

Identify and evaluate internal strengths and weaknesses of an organisation.

Analyse external opportunities and threats using structured frameworks.

Apply SWOT insights to strategic recommendations.

Demonstrate critical thinking and evidence‑based reasoning.

3. Task Instructions

Choose one organisation (local, national, or global). It may be a company you admire, a brand you use, or a business you want to work for.

Your assignment must include the following sections:

A. Company Background

Provide a brief overview including:

Industry and market position.

Products or services offered.

Target customers.

Recent performance or milestones.

B. SWOT Analysis Table

Create a structured SWOT table with at least five points in each category:

Strengths - Internal advantages that give the company a competitive edge.

Weaknesses - Internal limitations that hinder performance.

Opportunities - External trends the company can leverage.

Threats - External risks that may negatively impact the business.

C. Explanation of Key Factors

Select two items from each SWOT category and explain:

Why they are strategically important?

How they influence the company’s competitive position?

Evidence or examples supporting your analysis.

D. Strategic Recommendations

Based on your SWOT findings, propose three actionable strategies. Each recommendation should:

Build on strengths.

Address weaknesses.

Capitalise on opportunities.

Mitigate threats.

E. Reflection

Write a short reflection (150–200 words) on:

What you learned about strategic analysis?

How SWOT can support business decision‑making?

Limitations of SWOT as a standalone tool.