A Critique of the SWOT Matrix Application for the Strategic Researches of Development in Iran

The SWOT matrix is very common in strategic researches in various fields and branches in Iran. This paper studies the researches by using quantitative and qualitative methods and criticizes the expected function and the manner of the matrix application. In this researches SWOT is treated as a tool for the development of appropriate strategies. Strategy shows moving from the current state to the desired state, so both states should be considered and analyzed. Formulation of appropriate and applicable strategies is possible after not only analyzing the current situation but an accurate analysis of the goals and checking the strategies against both current and desired points.