SWOT Analysis Template for University Assignments: Structure, Mistakes to Avoid, and Real-World Examples

A SWOT analysis is one of the most commonly used business strategy tools in university assignments. It helps students evaluate a company’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats it faces.

Despite its simplicity, many students make critical mistakes when applying it in reports, leading to weak analysis and lower grades. This guide provides a structured SWOT analysis template, highlights common mistakes students make, and offers real-world examples from Singaporean businesses to ensure a more effective and insightful approach.

How to Structure a SWOT Analysis in Assignments

A well-structured SWOT analysis should include clear, concise, and well-justified points. Each factor should be specific and supported by real-world evidence where possible.

Strengths (Internal, Positive)

• What internal advantages does the company have over competitors?
• What unique resources, skills, or assets give it an edge?
• What aspects of its business model, brand, or operations contribute to success?

Weaknesses (Internal, Negative)

• What internal limitations prevent the company from reaching its full potential?
• Where does it struggle compared to competitors?
• What operational inefficiencies, financial issues, or market gaps exist?

Opportunities (External, Positive)

• What emerging market trends can the company take advantage of?
• Are there new customer segments, technologies, or partnerships that could drive growth?
• How can economic, regulatory, or industry changes create opportunities?

Threats (External, Negative)

• What external risks could impact the company’s success?
• Are there new competitors, regulatory changes, or shifts in consumer behaviour that pose challenges?
• How could economic downturns, supply chain disruptions, or technological advancements become threats?

Common Mistakes Students Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Many students make avoidable errors when using SWOT analysis in assignments. Here are the most common mistakes and how to correct them:

Mistake #1: Listing Vague or Generic Points

• Example of a Weak SWOT Entry:
  • Strength: “The company has a strong brand.”
  • Threat: “Competition is increasing.”
• Why It’s Wrong: These points are too vague and lack depth. Without specific examples or data, they add little value to the analysis.
• Correction: Be specific and evidence-based.
  • Strength: “Singapore Airlines has consistently ranked among the world’s top airlines for service excellence, giving it a strong global brand reputation (Skytrax, 2023).”
  • Threat: “The rise of budget airlines such as Scoot and AirAsia is intensifying competition in Southeast Asia’s aviation market, pressuring premium carriers like Singapore Airlines to maintain profitability.”

Mistake #2: Confusing Strengths with Opportunities

• Example of a Misclassification:
  • Opportunity: “DBS Bank has a strong reputation for digital banking.”
• Why It’s Wrong: A strong reputation is an internal factor, meaning it is a strength, not an opportunity. Opportunities refer to external conditions that the company can take advantage of.
• Correction: Properly classify factors based on internal vs. external influences.
  • Strength: “DBS Bank leads digital banking innovation in Singapore, with award-winning fintech solutions such as DBS PayLah! and AI-driven banking assistants.”
  • Opportunity: “The Singapore government’s push for a Smart Nation provides further opportunities for DBS Bank to expand digital banking initiatives and AI-driven financial services.”

Mistake #3: Ignoring Industry-Specific Threats

• Example of a Weak Threat:
  • “Economic downturns can affect revenue.”
• Why It’s Wrong: While true, this applies to all businesses and lacks industry-specific insight.
• Correction: Focus on real-world threats that are directly relevant to the company’s industry.
  • “E-commerce platforms such as Shopee and Lazada are disrupting traditional retail businesses, forcing brands like Robinsons and Metro to restructure or shut down physical stores.”

Mistake #4: Failing to Justify SWOT Factors with Data or Trends

• Example of a Weak SWOT Entry:
  • Weakness: “Limited international presence.”
• Why It’s Wrong: It does not explain why this is a weakness or provide supporting details.
• Correction: Add data, comparisons, or industry insights to strengthen the analysis.
  • “NTUC FairPrice has limited expansion outside of Singapore, unlike competitors such as Dairy Farm International, which operates regional supermarket chains like Giant and Cold Storage in multiple countries.”

Real-World Examples of SWOT Analysis Using Singaporean Companies

Singapore Airlines (SIA)

• Strength: Recognised globally for premium service quality and customer satisfaction, consistently ranked among the world’s best airlines.
• Weakness: High operating costs due to premium service offerings, making it difficult to compete with budget airlines.
• Opportunity: Growing demand for sustainable aviation—SIA can expand investment in fuel-efficient aircraft and carbon offset programmes.
• Threat: Rising competition from Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar Airways), which offer premium experiences with competitive pricing.

Grab

• Strength: Strong market dominance in ride-hailing and food delivery across Southeast Asia.
• Weakness: Heavy reliance on promotional subsidies, leading to profitability challenges.
• Opportunity: Expansion into digital banking and fintech, leveraging its large user base for financial services.
• Threat: Increasing competition from Gojek and local super apps, which are aggressively expanding in the same markets.

Razer

• Strength: Global reputation as a premium gaming brand, with high customer loyalty.
• Weakness: High product prices limit accessibility to budget-conscious gamers.
• Opportunity: Growing esports industry presents new avenues for sponsorships and product partnerships.
• Threat: Intense competition from brands like Logitech and SteelSeries, which offer similar high-performance gaming peripherals.

Final Thoughts

A well-structured SWOT analysis can significantly improve the quality of university assignments and case studies. However, students often weaken their analysis by listing generic factors, misclassifying strengths and opportunities, or failing to justify their points with evidence.

To create a strong and insightful analysis:

• Ensure each SWOT factor is specific and well-supported.
• Differentiate between internal and external factors correctly.
• Justify every point with real-world examples or data.
• Apply industry-specific insights rather than using generic threats and opportunities.

By following this structured approach, you can improve the depth and accuracy of their SWOT analysis, ensuring stronger arguments and better grades in your assignments.