Contractor SWOT analysis

The following is a SWOT analysis of the group, not the product. Hector Vela Garza has not been included as he has not been a part of the project:

Strengths:
1. Structure. The group assigned responsibilities and roles to each individual at an early stage. These responsibilities have allowed each member to act independently of the group, seeking advice when needed; as well as delegating tasks to other group members where appropriate.
2. Flexibility. The flexibility of all group members to act 'out of role' has been a significant success story. Combining this with the weekly group meeting has kept the structure of the group in tact and the project on track. The willingness of all group members to adapt ideas and take on board constructive criticism has seen many changes occur from the original design; all significantly improving the completed product.
3. Commitment. The group has remained committed to the project from the start. Any other responsibilities have been kept way from group time; with the use of a blog greatly enhancing the way the group monitors and adapts to changes; especially short notice ones.

Weaknesses.
1. Meeting group deadlines. All individuals have had to make short term changes to the timescales set in order to achieve a better result. These short notice changes have been handled well but could have resulted in friction occurring. Fortunately the group has not suffered from any ill feeling with any issues or opposing opinions addressed immediately. The use of the blog, email and text messaging has kept all others in the loop and helped prevent problems develop.
2. Sub teams. The use of sub teams has helped the group achieve results quickly; but has also become 'the norm' with respect to operating procedures. If the project was to be completed over a longer timescale then a change of sub team composition would enhance group cohesion.

Opportunities.
1. Blogging. The use of a blog was a first for many of the group, however this method of developing a product/plan has proved to be most effective. It is definitely a valuable tool that the group plan to take the opportunity to use in the future.
2. Planning criteria. If the group were to undertake a project like this again it would be a useful opportunity to develop a number of different solutions; and be in a stronger position to pick the most suitable design for further production.

Threats
1. Limitations. The lack of a 'shared area' of online space to store designs and documentation has hindered the creation of the product. If any such area was to be made available then the flexibility of the group, to work without a missing member, would allow production to continue. At times the group has been hindered because an individual has the documentation/design that the rest of the group needs, in order to develop it further. The blog is a useful tool but would greatly benefit from adding this feature.