Determination of Optimal Urban Waste Management Strategy Using SWOT Analysis: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, the context of social life requires accurate planning and promotion of organizational performance using appropriate methods. There are different models to measure various factors affecting organizational performance. The aim of this study was to determine optimal urban waste management strategies in Meshgin Shahr, Iran. Methods: The present descriptive-analytical survey research utilized the SWOT analysis to identify and formulate optimal urban waste management strategies. After determination of strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O) and threats (T) by the SWOT analysis, the TOWS matrix was used to extract all possible SO, WO, ST and WT strategies, which were then prioritized by QSPM approach based on their attractiveness scores (AS). Results: Fifteen items were identified in each internal strengths and weaknesses as well as external opportunities and threats factors. Based on the results, the municipal waste management has been relatively strong towards internal factors. However, it has not been able to seize opportunities and deal with threats. The first and second priorities were WT1 and WO1 strategies, respectively. In WT1, AS was equal to12.15 and a plan was developed to establish a sanitary landfill management system at the landfill. In WO1, AS was equal to10.86 and a plan was defined to establish a plant fertilizer of high volume of perishable materials to reduce the waste volume. Conclusion: Our results highlighted the need for using defined strategies to reduce internal weaknesses and external threats to take advantage of opportunities. Therefore, the results revealed that the SWOT matrix as well as the QSPM approach can be utilized simultaneously as an integrated method for formulating, evaluating and prioritizing strategies.