Topic > and that effective strategies will be based on strengths, how to take advantage of opportunities and how to overcome or minimize weaknesses and threats." [1] The cited weakness can be easily resolved by basing the SWOT analysis on the agreed objective , as explained directly below. If the SWOT analysis does not begin with the definition of an end state or goal, it runs the risk of being useless. SWOT analysis can be incorporated into the strategic planning model strategic planning that incorporates an objective. Guided SWOT analysis is the SCAN analysis. Strategic planning, including the SWOT and SCAN analysis, has been the subject of much research. a clear objective has been identified, the SWOT analysis can be used to assist in the pursuit of that goal. SWOTs are: Strengths: Attributes of the organization that are helpful in achieving the goal. Weaknesses: Attributes of the organization that are detrimental to achieving the goal. Opportunity: external conditions that are useful for achieving the goal. Threats: External conditions that are detrimental to achieving the goal. See SWOT diagram. Correct identification of SWOTs is essential because the next steps in the planning process to achieve the selected objective must be derived from the SWOTs. First, decision makers must determine whether the goal is achievable, given the SWOT. If the goal is NOT achievable you need to select a different goal and repeat the process.