A tool that identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of an organization.
Specifically, SWOT is a basic, straightforward model that assesses what an organization can and cannot do as well as its potential opportunities and threats. The method of SWOT analysis is to take the information from an environmental analysis and separate it into internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external issues (opportunities and threats).
Once this is completed, SWOT analysis determines what may assist the firm in accomplishing its objectives, and what obstacles must be overcome or minimized to achieve desired results.
Stutely, Richard. The Definitive Business Plan. Safari Books Online. Prentice Hall, 20 Oct. 2011. Web 29 Jan. 2013.
http://proquestcombo.safaribooksonline.com.db02.linccweb.org/book/-/9780273761143/getting-down-to-it/52
The SWOT handout will guide you on how to search for a SWOT analysis for a specific company using Business Source Complete database.
Keep in mind not every company has a SWOT analysis available.