What does a SWOT analysis help identify in strategic planning?

• A. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
• B. Threats and Weaknesses only
• C. Product, Price, Place, and Promotion
• D. Strengths and Opportunities only

Answer: (D)

A SWOT analysis in strategic planning assesses internal capabilities and external conditions to guide decisions. It identifies internal strengths and internal weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and external threats. This four-part view helps shape strategies—leverage strengths to pursue opportunities, address weaknesses to reduce risk, and mitigate threats.

The complete set of elements—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats—captures the full framework. Other options fall short: focusing only on threats and weaknesses misses important internal and external factors; the marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion) covers tactical variables rather than a SWOT framework; and listing only strengths and opportunities omits weaknesses and threats.