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Business and Management at Webster University Library

This research guides provides databases, search tips and resources for getting started with business and management research. A guide for your specific program or major may be available on the Getting Started tab on the navigation menu.

What is SWOT analysis?

What is a SWOT report? (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)

A study (generally written by an outside organization) that analyzes a company's internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats it faces in the industry and the economy. 

Analysts most often write SWOT reports for public companies. If you are looking for information about a private company, you may find a SWOT report about its parent company, if it is publicly traded.  

Databases that contain company SWOT reports

ABI/Inform SWOT report search example

Use the pull-down menu to search in specific fields of a record. For example, search for 

           swot       in Document title -- DOC

AND   dell         in Company/organization - ORG

ABI Inform search for a SWOT report for Dell

Business Source Complete SWOT report search example

In the keyword search displayed below:

SWOT, is typed in the SO Publication Name field

AND     United Parcel Service in the CO Company Entity field.

Note that multiple SWOT reports for a company may be available.  

Business Source Complete search for a SWOT report for UPS

What if I can't find a SWOT report?

Within library databases, SWOT analysis reports are most often available for large U.S. public companies, though some foreign and private companies might be covered as well.  

If you cannot find a SWOT report for your company, look for reports on 2 or 3 larger public companies in your same industry.  For example, in the computer software industry try Microsoft or Apple or Intel.  Companies in the same industry will often use or adapt their own strengths to capitalize on another company's weaknesses.

Also, check industry reports, like those from the IBISWorld Industry Market Research database to see what internal and external factors are impacting companies in the industry in which your company competes.

How can I create a SWOT analysis?