Which elements are included in a SWOT analysis?

The key elements included in a SWOT analysis are strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This framework is used for strategic planning and organizational assessment.

Strengths and weaknesses focus on internal factors of an organization, identifying what the company does well and where it may need improvement. For instance, strengths can include unique capabilities, resources, or market position, while weaknesses may involve areas where the organization is lacking compared to competitors.

Opportunities and threats are external factors that analyze the market environment. Opportunities might arise from emerging market trends, technological advancements, or changes in consumer behavior that the organization could leverage for growth. Threats encompass potential challenges from competitors, market volatility, or regulatory changes that could impact the organization negatively.

This balanced approach enables businesses to formulate strategies that capitalize on what they do best while also preparing to mitigate risks, leading to informed decision-making. Other options like sales or strategies describe various business aspects but do not encapsulate the holistic view of a SWOT analysis.