How does a SWOT analysis treat opportunities and threats?

A SWOT analysis categorizes opportunities and threats as factors that are typically beyond the facility's control, emphasizing their external nature. Opportunities refer to favorable conditions in the environment that an organization can capitalize on, while threats involve challenges or risks that could hinder its success. By recognizing these elements as external, the analysis highlights the importance of understanding market dynamics, competitive landscape, and potential economic shifts that might impact the organization.

This recognition helps organizations prepare strategic responses rather than attempting to control these externally driven factors. In contrast, strengths and weaknesses are viewed as internal characteristics of the organization that can be influenced or managed directly by the facility.