The overall purpose of a SWOT analysis (opens in a new window) is to examine the internal and external factors that help or hinder your department in achieving each of your objectives. It can be used as a brainstorming tool, simply to see how you (and perhaps some people outside of your department) see your department. It can also be used very effectively in the early stages of a program assessment, to help focus your attention on key areas.

We will use this preliminary SWOT analysis during the workshop, so please be thoughtful about your answers.