Analysis of Community Needs

and Problems: SWOT Analysis

and Other Appropriate Tools in
Problem Analysis

Submitted by:
Rebecca Beah Molina
Desiree Jayne Ventula

Submitted to:
Prof. Dulce Maria Rosario S. De Guzman
 Before we start our class, let’s pray first (Call a student to lead the prayer)
Student: Let’s put ourselves in the most holy presence of God as we adore his holy
name. As we all say, In the name of the father, of the son and of the holy spirit,
Amen.
PRAYER Our father, who art in heaven, hollowed by thy name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will
be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us
our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.

Good evening class, Good evening Ma’am Dulce, you may now take your seats. So
GREETINGS before we start, let us introduce ourselves I am Teacher Ventula and Teacher
Molina and we will be discussing to you class Analysis of Community Needs and
Problems: SWOT Analysis and Other Appropriate Tools in Problem Analysis.
At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:
 Identify the key components of community needs and problems using
analytical tools such as SWOT analysis.
OBJECTIVES  Analyze community data collected from needs assessment surveys to
determine the most pressing concerns within the community.
 Demonstrate a commitment to collaboration with community stakeholders,
fostering shared responsibility in addressing local issues.

PHRASE SHUFFLE
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Divide the class into two groups.

2. Select 8 representatives from each group to stand in front horizontal while
holding a piece of paper with a word.
3. The remaining members of the group will sit down and act as guessers.
4. The representative will face their teammates, showing the paper with their
word.
ACTIVITY 5. The guessers must work together to call out the names of the representatives
in the correct order to form a complete sentence or phrase.
6. The representatives will move only if he/she is called to moved to correct the
arrangements of the words.

Phrases for the Activity:

Phrase 1:
Evaluate community challenges to develop effective improvement strategies.
Phrase 2:
Assess strengths and weaknesses to improve community development.
 1. ) Why is it crucial for our community to go beyond addressing immediate
problems and focus on identifying the root causes of those issues?
Answer: It's essential for our community to focus on root causes because this
approach leads to lasting solutions instead of quick fixes. By tackling issues like
education and economic opportunities, we can create meaningful change that
empowers residents. This deeper understanding helps us connect the dots
between different social challenges, allowing for strategies that strengthen the
ANALYSIS community as a whole.

2.)How can engaging community members in the problem analysis process

enhance the effectiveness of solutions?
Answer: Engaging community members in problem analysis makes solutions more
effective because it ensures that they reflect the real needs of those affected.
When people share their insights and experiences, it creates a sense of ownership
and commitment to the solutions. This collaborative effort not only strengthens
community ties but also leads to practical, targeted solutions that are more likely
to succeed in bringing about positive change.

ABSTRACT:

Analysis of Community Needs and Problems

SWOT Analysis

SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis is a key tool used

for identifying and assessing community needs and problems. It provides a
structured approach to understanding internal and external factors that affect a
community:
 Strengths: Internal positive factors, such as community resources, strong social
bonds, or skilled individuals.
 Weaknesses: Internal challenges or limitations, like lack of infrastructure,
education gaps, or poor healthcare.
  Opportunities: External factors that the community can capitalize on, such as
new government programs, funding opportunities, or partnerships with NGOs.
 Threats: External risks that could negatively impact the community, like
economic downturns, natural disasters, or political instability.
Example 1: Farming Community
- Strengths: The community is close-knit, and everyone shares farming tips and
resources, helping each other grow food.
- Weaknesses: There is no nearby hospital, and many farmers still use old tools,
making it hard to produce enough food.
- Opportunities: The government has programs to help farmers buy new
equipment and improve their farming methods.
- Threats: Changing weather patterns are making it difficult to grow crops, and
young people are moving to cities for better jobs.
A SWOT analysis helps to prioritize community issues and develop strategies to
build on strengths, address weaknesses, seize opportunities, and mitigate threats.

ABSTRACTION
Other Tools in Problem Analysis
1. PESTLE Analysis

This tool examines the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and
Environmental factors influencing a community. It’s especially useful for
understanding external factors that may impact community development.
 Political: Government policies, local leadership, and public services.
Example: A local government unit initiates a community health program to combat
the rising incidence of dengue fever. By partnering with the Department of Health,
they implement awareness campaigns, free vaccination drives, and regular clean-
up activities in neighborhoods. This political action is vital for improving public
health and ensuring community engagement.
 Economic: Income levels, employment rates, and economic opportunities.
Example: A rural community in the Philippines establishes a cooperative that
focuses on organic farming. With the rise in demand for organic products, this
cooperative not only increases the income of local farmers but also boosts the local
economy by attracting buyers from urban areas. This economic initiative
demonstrates the community's ability to adapt to market demands.
 Social: Cultural norms, demographic trends, and education levels.
Example: A non-profit organization launches a literacy program in a marginalized
urban area, targeting out-of-school youth. The program combines formal education
with vocational training, empowering young people to pursue jobs in various
fields.This social initiative addresses educational disparities and promotes youth
development.
 Technological: Access to technology, infrastructure, and innovation.
Example: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a city implements an online
platform for public service transactions, allowing residents to pay bills, access
permits, and schedule appointments without having to visit government offices.
This technological advancement not only improves efficiency but also enhances
public access to services.
 Legal: Laws, regulations, and legal barriers.
Example: Following the enactment of the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation
of Children Act, law enforcement agencies ramp up efforts to monitor and
prosecute online offenders. This legal framework aims to protect children from
exploitation in the digital age, reflecting the government’s commitment to
safeguarding vulnerable populations.
 Environmental: Sustainability issues, climate challenges, and environmental
resources.
Example: A coastal community collaborates with environmental NGOs to establish
a marine protected area. The initiative focuses on preserving marine biodiversity
while promoting sustainable fishing practices among local fishermen. This
environmental effort not only helps maintain ecological balance but also secures
the livelihoods of the community.
2. Root Cause Analysis

This method involves identifying the underlying causes of community problems by

repeatedly asking "Why?" until the root of the issue is uncovered.
Example:
Problem: A community has a high unemployment rate.
1. Ask the First Question: Why is unemployment high?
Answer: Many people in the community don’t have the skills needed for available
jobs.
2. Follow-Up Question: Why don’t they have the necessary skills?
Answer: The local schools and training centers don’t provide programs that teach
those skills.
3. Next Question: Why don’t the schools offer these programs?
Answer: There isn’t enough funding for vocational training in the area.
4. Final Question: Why is there not enough funding?
Answer: The local government spends more money on roads and infrastructure
instead of education and job training.

Through this questioning process, the community learns that the high
unemployment rate isn’t just about the lack of jobs; it’s mainly due to inadequate
training programs. This understanding allows them to focus on getting more
funding for vocational training and improving education to help residents gain the
skills they need for employment.
3. Needs Assessment Surveys

Conducting surveys or focus groups can help gather direct input from community
members on the problems they face, their priorities, and the resources they need.
This tool provides qualitative data for problem analysis.
Example: A college classroom where students are preparing for midterm exams.
1. Conducting the Survey: The instructor creates a survey to determine how
students prefer to study. Questions include:
- Do you prefer studying alone or in a group?
- What benefits do you see in your preferred study method?
- What challenges do you face with your chosen study method?
- Would you be interested in organized study groups for exam preparation?
2. Survey Distribution: The instructor distributes the survey through an online
platform (like Google Forms) and also provides paper copies during class. To
encourage participation, they explain that the feedback will help improve study
resources and support.
3. Data Collection: After gathering responses, the instructor analyzes the data and
finds several trends:
- A significant number of students prefer studying alone for focus and flexibility,
citing fewer distractions.
- Others prefer group study for the collaborative benefits, like sharing ideas and
clarification of difficult concepts.
- Some students report feeling lost in group settings due to varying paces and
understanding.
5. Prioritizing Needs: Based on the survey results, the instructor decides to
implement the following strategies:
- Create a schedule for optional group study sessions led by a teaching assistant,
offering a structured environment for collaborative learning.
- Provide resources on effective solo study techniques, such as time management
and self-testing strategies.
- Encourage students to form their own study groups based on similar subjects and
schedules, facilitating peer-led learning.
By using needs assessment surveys focused on studying preferences, educators can
better understand the diverse learning styles in their classroom. This approach
allows them to create a balanced environment that caters to both independent
learners and those who thrive in collaborative settings, ultimately enhancing
overall academic performance.

4.Problem Tree Analysis

This is a visual tool that maps out the causes and effects of a community problem.
It helps in breaking down complex issues into smaller, manageable parts. The
"roots" represent the causes, while the "branches" represent the effects.
Example: A community struggling with high dropout rates in high school.
1. Identifying the Main Problem: The community identifies high dropout rates as a
central issue. This becomes the "trunk" of the problem tree.
2. Mapping Out Causes (Roots): The community members gather to discuss and
identify the root causes of this issue. Some common causes might include:
- Lack of parental support: Parents are often too busy working to help their
children with school.
- Poor school facilities: Schools may lack basic resources, such as books and
computers.
- Financial difficulties: Families may struggle to afford transportation to school or
other related costs.
- Low engagement in school activities: Students may feel disconnected from the
school environment.
3. Mapping Out Effects (Branches): After identifying the causes, the community
members then discuss the effects of the high dropout rates, which may include:
- Increased unemployment rates: Dropouts have fewer job opportunities.
- Higher crime rates: Unemployed youth may turn to crime for financial support.
- Lower community development: With fewer educated individuals, the overall
development of the community may stall.
3. Visual Representation: The community creates a visual representation (a tree
diagram) where the trunk represents high dropout rates, the roots represent the
causes, and the branches illustrate the effects. This helps everyone see how
interconnected these issues are.
5. Action Plan Development: Once the tree is complete, the community can
prioritize which root causes to address first. For example, they might decide to:
- Start a mentorship program to increase parental involvement.
- Partner with local businesses to provide funding for school resources.
- Create after-school programs that engage students more fully.
By using Problem Tree Analysis, communities can visually and effectively map out
complex problems, understand their causes and effects, and develop targeted
strategies to tackle the issues at hand. This collaborative approach ensures that all
voices are heard and fosters a sense of ownership in the solutions.

5.Community Mapping
This tool involves physically mapping out a community to identify resources,
infrastructure, and areas of need. Community members can highlight problem
areas and solutions, helping create a visual representation of challenges.
Example: A neighborhood facing issues with access to healthcare services.
1. Gathering Community Members: Residents come together for a mapping
workshop, bringing along any available resources like paper, markers, and local
maps.
2. Identifying Resources: Participants begin by marking existing resources on the
map, such as:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Grocery stores
- Schools and community centers
- Parks and recreational areas
4. Highlighting Problem Areas: After identifying resources, residents discuss and
mark areas that lack services, such as:
- Regions with no nearby healthcare facilities
- Areas with insufficient public transportation
- Neighborhoods that have limited access to healthy food options
5. Visual Representation: The group creates a large community map, using different
colors or symbols to represent resources, problem areas, and potential solutions.
For example:
- Green circles for healthcare facilities
- Red Xs for areas lacking services
- Blue stars for proposed solutions, like new clinic locations or community health
fairs
6. Identifying Solutions: Residents brainstorm potential solutions based on the
identified needs. For instance:
- Setting up mobile clinics to reach underserved areas
- Organizing health awareness programs in schools
- Collaborating with local organizations to improve transportation options
 6. Action Plan Development: The completed map serves as a visual tool for
planning community initiatives. It helps residents prioritize actions based on
urgency and feasibility.
Community Mapping empowers residents to take an active role in understanding
their environment and addressing local challenges. By visually representing
resources and needs, community members can better collaborate and create
targeted solutions.

Conclusion
By using these tools like SWOT, PESTLE, Root Cause Analysis, and others, you can
develop a comprehensive understanding of a community’s needs and problems.
These tools help prioritize issues and create targeted strategies to address
challenges effectively.

Multiple Choice

1. What does SWOT stand for in community analysis?

A) Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
B) Social, Welfare, Outreach, Training
C) Systems, Work, Operations, Technology
D) Safety, Workability, Outreach, Training
2. Which of the following is NOT a component of PESTLE analysis?
A) Political
B) Economic
C) Technological
ASSESSMENT D) Love
3. What is the primary goal of a root cause analysis?
A) To identify all stakeholders in the community
B) To understand the underlying causes of a problem
C) To create a budget for community programs
D) To gather demographic data
4. What is the primary purpose of conducting a community needs assessment?
A) To identify gaps between current community services and resident needs
B) To analyze the financial stability of local businesses
C) To evaluate the performance of local government officials
D) To map out the geographical features of the community
5. What does a Problem Tree analysis help to identify?
A) Solutions to community issues
B) The direct effects and root causes of a problem
C) Community resources available
D) Local government policies
 6. Which analysis helps to understand the external factors affecting the
community?
A) SWOT
B) Root Cause
C) PESTLE
D) Needs Assessment
7. Community mapping primarily aims to:
A) Collect demographic data
B) Identify and visualize resources and service gaps
C) Evaluate local government performance
D) Analyze economic trends
8. Which tool is used to visually map out the causes and effects of a community
problem?
A) Needs Assessment Surveys
B) SWOT Analysis
C) Problem Tree Analysis
D) PESTLE Analysis
9. Why is stakeholder engagement important in community assessments?
A) It increases bureaucracy.
B) It limits diverse perspectives.
C) It ensures that the community's voice is heard and considered.
D) It complicates the decision-making process.
10. What analysis tool examines Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal,
and Environmental factors influencing a community?
A) SWOT Analysis
B) Root Cause Analysis
C) Needs Assessment Surveys
D) PESTLE Analysis

References:

Chapter 3. Assessing Community Needs and resources | Section 14. SWOT Analysis: Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats | Main section | Community Tool Box. (n.d.).
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/assessment/assessing-community-needs-and-resources/swot-
analysis/main

The Community Tool Box, a comprehensive tool and a sample of what you will find there: Community
Assessment Methods - Conducting a SWOT Analysis by Christina Holt, MA and Tom Wolff, PhD in GJCPP
Volume 6 Issue 1 2015. (n.d.). https://www.gjcpp.org/en/tool.php?issue=19&tool=13

Thomas, L. (2014, July 31). Lfa problem tree analysis [Slide show]. SlideShare.
https://www.slideshare.net/liristhomas/lfa-problem-tree-analysis