Conducting A SWOT Analysis
Toolkit includes:
 Sample
Facilitator Guidelines/Notes
 Sample Facilitator Questions
 Sample SWOT Analysis Charts
PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Conducting A SWOT Analysis
Facilitator Guidelines/Notes
Suggested Supplies
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Tables & Chairs – sufficient quantities to support
break out groups
SWOT Analysis Charts/Display boards –
– charts and display boards should be large enough to
be seen by all participants to capture the results of
the analysis
– sample charts included in this presentation
Writing Supplies – paper, pens, post-it notes
Timekeeping mechanism
PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Conducting A SWOT Analysis
Facilitator Guidelines/Notes
State Objectives &
Explain the Process
Inform participants of the objective of the SWOT Analysis. In this
scenario, participants are discussing how to enhance Closed POD
recruiting and technical assistance by understanding
commonalities and differences in various organizations.
2
Organize Participants
Recommend smaller groups, no more than 10 per group. Groups
should designate a spokesperson. In addition to the lead facilitator,
consider having co-facilitators assigned to each group to encourage
discussion and keep participants on task.
3
Ask Leading Questions
Sample questions are provided. Tailor accordingly but ensure they
prompt discussion and support the objective.
4
Establish Time Limits
for Brainstorming Each
Section
Recommend 5-8 minutes per section. Do not allow time for
participants to justify their response, just capture the response with
a short phrase. Justification/analysis will come later in the process.
Regroup & Respond
Once all areas of the SWOT have been addressed, regroup to
discuss the responses. Address each category of the SWOT
(Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) separately. Each
group should be prepared to provide the top 2-3 responses for their
sector in each area of the SWOT. Do not elaborate on the
responses at this point.
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5
PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Conducting A SWOT Analysis
Facilitator Guidelines/Notes
5
Regroup & Respond
6
Discussion & Analysis:
Exploit strengths &
opportunities; mitigate
weaknesses and threats
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Conclude Session
Lead facilitator considers the responses and determines where they fit
on the supporting charts:
• Strengths and Weaknesses should be internal to the
organization.
• Opportunities and Threats should be external to the
organization.
• If more than two groups provide the same response, add it to the
“commonalities” chart.
• If only one group provides a certain response, add it to that
particular sector’s chart.
Facilitators should encourage discussion that helps participants
develop suggestions for using the strengths and opportunities to their
advantage and developing strategies to overcome the challenges
presented through the weaknesses and threats.
Participants can use applicable information to tailor recruiting
strategies and messages; and refine technical assistance methods
when working with various Closed POD organizations.
PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Conducting A SWOT Analysis
Closed POD Planning
Sample Facilitator Questions
PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Conducting A SWOT Analysis
Sample Facilitator Questions
Strengths:
1) What advantages does your public health agency have that would impact
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an organization’s decision to become a Closed POD?
What advantages does this sector have in being a Closed POD?
What do you do better than anyone else?
What do they do better than anyone else?
What unique resources* do you have access to?
What unique resources* do they have access to?
What are the advantages of Closed POD program?
* Examples of Resources = assets, skills, experiences, processes, people, funding, data
PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Conducting A SWOT Analysis
Sample Facilitator Questions
Weaknesses:
1) What disadvantages does your public health agency have that would
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6)
impact an organization’s decision to become a Closed POD?
What real or perceived reasons could there be for not using this sector as
a Closed POD?
What real or perceived reasons could impact this sector’s decision to
become a Closed POD?
What resources* are you lacking?
What resources* are they lacking?
What are the disadvantages of the Closed POD program?
* Example of Resources = assets, skills, experiences, processes, people, funding, data
PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Conducting A SWOT Analysis
Sample Facilitator Questions
Opportunities:
1) What interesting external trends are you aware of that may impact Closed
POD planning?
2) What changes are occurring or are needed in your jurisdiction to support
the program or participation in the program? Consider the following:
• Technology
• Legislation
• Socio-cultural
3) How can you capitalize on previous relationships that may be established
between other programs in your health department and organizations
within the various sectors?
PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Conducting A SWOT Analysis
Sample Facilitator Questions
Threats:
1) What external factors are you aware of that may impact your ability to
recruit or provide technical assistance Closed PODs?
2) What external factors are you aware of that may impact your ability to
incorporate or manage the operations of Closed PODs in your dispensing
strategy during an emergency?
3) Are you aware of partnerships between your health department and
organizations within the sectors that may have produced poor outcomes
that may impact your ability to form a partnership?
4) Are you aware of a lack of strong leadership or support from political
leaders, preparedness partners, or other influencing agencies?
PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Conducting A SWOT Analysis
Closed POD Planning
Sample Charts (pick best for you)
PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
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Opportunities:
Threats:
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Strengths:
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Opportunities:
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Strengths:
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Opportunities:
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Strengths:
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Opportunities:
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Strengths:
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Opportunities:
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Strengths:
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Opportunities:
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Contact Information
Name: Contact Info
If you are comfortable with it, please share the results of your
SWOT Analysis: ppr@crinorthwest.org
PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES