The first two dimensions of the SWOT analysis address issues inside the organisation. The first dimension of the analysis is known as Blank 1 Code 4Code 1Code 3Code 2 . This dimension addresses areas in which the organisation or project team may excel, or have significant strengths that can assist in successfully delivering the project. For example, this could include being in a strong financial position, or having all of the skills needed to deliver the project. Although the Blank 2 Code 4Code 1Code 3Code 2 dimension is also addressing factors within the organisation, this aspect specifically identifies the organisation's or project team's problems, limitations, or failings, which may adversely impact on the project outcomes.

The second two dimensions are used to investigate issues outside of the organisation that could affect the project. The first of these two dimensions assesses positive issues, and it is referred to as Blank 3 Code 4Code 1Code 3Code 2 . This dimension, therefore, looks at external factors that could provide a competitive advantage. These can include things like a strong economy, or client need factors (e.g. it is very likely that clients will need what you are developing), which will help to ensure that the project outcomes are more successful. The final SWOT dimension is used to explore Blank 4 Code 4Code 1Code 3Code 2 . These relate to external factors that could potentially have a negative impact on the project. For instance, this could include things like a poor economic forecast, significant competition, or hacker induced security risks, which could make the project more difficult to deliver successfully.

When working through these dimensions, it is important that you are completely honest about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Failure to be thorough and completely honest in this analysis can create major problems for you later on.