Some models contain as few as five steps, but other more complex models may have more than 10 steps. The number of steps notwithstanding, writers generally agree about the core activities that must be addressed in strategic planning. The Figure provided below illustrates elements commonly found in most strategic planning models. Each of the steps identified above has its own subprocess or substeps that need to be followed carefully. The process of conducting SWOT analysis is also an elaborate one.
SWOT analysis covers both the internal and external environment.
Analyzing the internal environment involves auditing the program's resources and unique advantages. The result of this exercise will reveal both the strengths and the weaknesses of the program. Analyzing the external environment involves auditing the stakeholders' concerns and the political, economic, and social factors that may impact upon the program. If done correctly, the analysis of the external environment will reveal the opportunities open to the program as well as the threats to program success that administrators must consider. The major task before strategic planners is to optimize the benefits presented by the opportunities in the environment, while at the same time reducing the threats or converting them into further opportunities.