Swot-Analysis as a Tool for Determining a Small Entrepreneurial Structure Development Strategy

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the article is strategic analysis of the state of development of LLC “GALYCHMED”, identification of positive and negative trends and changes, identification, and awareness of the factors that cause inhibition of its development, search for priority ways and directions of development of the analysed enterprise. Methodology of research. To achieve this goal, a toolkit of research methods was used, namely: economic-statistical and calculation-analytical – to study the opportunities and threats to the external environment of the operation of LLC “GALYCHMED”, the strengths and weaknesses of the studied enterprise; matrix method of strategic analysis (SWOT-analysis) – to comprehensively reflect the results of the analysis of the external and internal environment of LLC “GALYCHMED”; problem-oriented – to substantiate the strategic directions and the potential scenario of solving the issues of development of the analysed enterprise; tabular – for visual display and effective perception of statistical data; induction and deduction – for concluding; logical – for the consistent generalization of theoretical and practical provisions of scientific research. Findings. SWOT analysis was performed according to the stages of filling in the SWOT matrix, processing (summarizing) results, and analysis of results. It is noted that the main purpose of SWOT analysis as a matrix method is to obtain reliable data on the company’s capabilities and threats to its promotion in the market of goods and services, so before SWOT analysis are the following tasks: identifying marketing opportunities that meet the company’s resources; identification of marketing threats and development of measures to neutralize their impact; identifying the strengths of the enterprise and comparing them with market opportunities; identification of enterprise weaknesses and development of strategic directions for overcoming them; identification of competitive advantages of the enterprise and formation of its strategic priorities. It is established that the influence of the macroenvironment is negative and the mesoenvironment is positive. The most important factors of positive influence are the attitude of the buyer to the product, the population, the attitude of people to work, and so on. Among the most negative factors are inflation, the social situation in the country and the world (COVID-19), financial crisis, slowing economic growth, the purchasing power of the population, industry competitors, potential competitors, and more. The following advantages of the analysed enterprise are determined: the goods sold by the enterprise; quality of services; state of the sales system; market share; availability of credit; enterprise assets; net profit. It is proved that the unstable financial market due to the pandemic, the devaluation of the national currency, the situation in the banking sector, losses in the area of environmental protection in eastern Ukraine, as well as other factors negatively affected the trading activities of LLC “GALYCHMED”. In most retailers, costs have risen and profits have fallen, prompting more conservative pricing and spending cuts. Originality. The application of SWOT analysis has been further developed, which allows to selection measures to ensure the economic growth of the enterprise, systematize problem situations, identify and use new potentials faster than competitors, avoid dangers, make informed decisions about small business development, and prevent irrational use of financial assets. This technique is an effective, affordable, cheap way to assess the state of the problem and management situation in small businesses. Practical value. The results of the SWOT analysis are recommended for use by the researched enterprise (LLC “GALYCHMED”) and other retail enterprises to determine the development strategy, for market analysis and study of competitiveness, but each time it must be adapted to the specifics of the enterprise. Key words: SWOT analysis, strengths, and weaknesses of the enterprise, opportunities and threats, external environment, economic environment, financial and economic situation, retail trade, strategic planning, demography, political environment.