“SWOT is an acronym for the internal Strengths and Weaknesses of a firm and the environmental Opportunities and Threats facing that firm. SWOT analysis is a widely used technique through which managers create a quick overview of a company’s strategic situation. The technique is based on the assumption that an effective strategy derives from a sound “fit” between a firm’s internal resources (strengths and weaknesses) and its external situation (opportunities and threats). A good fit maximizes a firm’s strengths and opportunities and minimizes its weaknesses and threats. Accurately applied, this simple assumption has powerful implications for the design of a successful strategy.”

Astrazeneca PLC

AstraZeneca is the second largest pharmaceutical company in the UK. The company was formed in 1999 by the merger of Swedish-based Astra and UK-based Zeneca Group. AstraZeneca has a strong presence in the US and retains a significant presence in Sweden as a legacy of Astra. The company is headquartered in London and employed about 65,000 people.