How to Use the TOWS Matrix to Analyze and Set Strategy from Coursera

By the end of this guided project, you will be able to use the TOWS matrix to analyze and determine your optimum strategy. The TOWS Matrix is an acronym for Threats, Opportunities, Weaknesses, and Strengths. The elements of the SWOT Analysis provide the basics for the TOWS Matrix. But TOWS rearranges the information, and provides a framework to identify possible strategic options to pursue. TOWS analysis matches internal to external factors to help identify relevant strategic options. By combining the external environment’s opportunities and threats with the internal organization’s strengths and weaknesses, you can come up with four basic strategies. And the strategies are centered on exploiting opportunities, minimizing threats, overcoming weaknesses and capitalizing on strengths

For us to practically demonstrate how the model works, we will use a spreadsheet to analyze an energy services company. Examples from the case study would empower you to use the model to analyze your company or any other company of your choice. The TOWS Matrix is a decision-making process for developing strategic alternatives. Both startups and large enterprises can use TOWS analysis approach as a primary strategic planning tool. At the end of the project, you will be able to use the matrix to brainstorm possible strategic options, determine your strategic roadmap, and identify your competitive advantage

What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides an opportunity to develop a strategic roadmap, which is essential for decision making

Effective for both startups and large enterprises, allowing for adaptability in strategic planning

Strong foundation in SWOT Analysis, a well-established strategic planning tool

Real-world case study provides practical context for applying the TOWS Matrix

Led by Omodiaogbe Samuel, an experienced instructor in strategic analysis

Covers the four basic strategies to help make informed decisions

Career center

Learners who complete How to Use the TOWS Matrix to Analyze and Set Strategy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Strategy Consultant

As a Strategy Consultant, you will help companies analyze their internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats in order to develop and implement strategic plans. This course will help you build a foundation in the TOWS Matrix, a powerful tool for strategic analysis, that will enable you to excel in this role. The course will teach you how to identify and assess internal and external factors, and how to develop and evaluate strategic options. This knowledge will be invaluable to you as a Strategy Consultant, as it will allow you to provide valuable insights and recommendations to your clients.

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Corporate Strategy Manager

As a Corporate Strategy Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans for your organization. This course will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze your organization's internal and external environment, and how to develop and evaluate strategic options. This knowledge will help you to make informed decisions about your organization's future, and to develop and implement strategies that will lead to success.

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Management Consultant

As a Management Consultant, you will help organizations improve their performance by providing advice and recommendations on a variety of topics, including strategy, operations, and marketing. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze an organization's internal and external environment, and how to develop and evaluate strategic options. This knowledge will help you to provide valuable insights and recommendations to your clients.

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Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze a business's internal and external environment, and how to develop and evaluate strategic options. This knowledge will help you to identify areas for improvement and to develop recommendations that will help the business to achieve its goals.

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Product Manager

As a Product Manager, you will be responsible for developing and managing products that meet the needs of customers. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze the market for your product, and how to develop and evaluate product strategies. This knowledge will help you to create products that are successful in the marketplace.

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Market Research Analyst

As a Market Research Analyst, you will be responsible for conducting research to gather data about the market for a particular product or service. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze the market for a product or service, and how to develop and evaluate research plans. This knowledge will help you to conduct research that provides valuable insights to your clients.

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Marketing Manager

As a Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns to promote products or services. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze the market for your product or service, and how to develop and evaluate marketing strategies. This knowledge will help you to create marketing campaigns that are effective in reaching your target audience.

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Sales Manager

As a Sales Manager, you will be responsible for leading and managing a sales team. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze the market for your product or service, and how to develop and evaluate sales strategies. This knowledge will help you to lead your team to success in achieving sales goals.

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Operations Manager

As an Operations Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze the internal operations of a business, and how to develop and evaluate operational strategies. This knowledge will help you to improve efficiency and productivity within the business.

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Human Resources Manager

As a Human Resources Manager, you will be responsible for managing the human resources of an organization. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze the internal and external environment of an organization, and how to develop and evaluate human resources strategies. This knowledge will help you to attract, develop, and retain top talent for your organization.

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Financial Analyst

As a Financial Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing financial data and providing recommendations to investors. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze the financial performance of a company, and how to develop and evaluate investment strategies. This knowledge will help you to make informed investment decisions for your clients.

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Investment Banker

As an Investment Banker, you will be responsible for providing financial advice to companies and governments. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze the financial performance of a company, and how to develop and evaluate investment strategies. This knowledge will help you to provide valuable advice to your clients and to help them achieve their financial goals.

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Private Equity Analyst

As a Private Equity Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing investment opportunities for private equity funds. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze the financial performance of a company, and how to develop and evaluate investment strategies. This knowledge will help you to identify and evaluate potential investment opportunities for your fund.

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Venture Capitalist

As a Venture Capitalist, you will be responsible for investing in early-stage companies. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze the market opportunity for a company, and how to develop and evaluate investment strategies. This knowledge will help you to identify and invest in early-stage companies with the potential for high growth.

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Entrepreneur

As an Entrepreneur, you will be responsible for starting and running your own business. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to use the TOWS Matrix to analyze the market opportunity for your business, and how to develop and evaluate business strategies. This knowledge will help you to start and grow a successful business.

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