Categories
Business Analysis

TOWS Matrix Tool

Understanding TOWS Matrix
Why use the tool?
TOWS Analysis is an effective way of combining a) internal strengths with external
opportunities and threats, and b) internal weaknesses with external opportunities and threats
to develop a strategy.

How to use tool:
To carry out a TOWS Analysis, consider the following combinations:

Strengths/Opportunities:

Consider all strengths one by one listed in the SWOT Analysis with each opportunity to
determine how each internal strength can help you capitalize on each external opportunity.

Strength/Threats:

Consider all strengths one by one listed in the SWOT Analysis with each threat to determine
how each internal strength can help you avoid every external threat.

Weaknesses/Opportunities:

Consider all weaknesses one by one listed in the SWOT Analysis with each opportunity to
determine how each internal weakness can be eliminated by using each external opportunity.

Weaknesses/Threats:

Consider all weaknesses one by one listed in the SWOT Analysis with each threat to
determine both can be avoided.

Read too:
The TOWS Matrix
A Tool for Situational Analysis
Heinz Weihrich*, Professor of Management, University of San Francisco
This article has two main purposes One is to review general considerations in strategic planning and the second to introduce the TOWS
Matrix for matching the environmental threats and opportunities with the company’s weaknesses and especially its strengths.