“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.”

Medtronic Inc.

Medtronic is a medical technology company engaged in manufacturing a range of medical devices and therapies. The company operates its business through seven segments that include cardiac rhythm disease management; spinal; cardiovascular; neuromodulation; diabetes; surgical technologies; and physio-control; and has operations in more than 120 countries. Medtronic is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota and employed about 40,000 people.