Performing an external and internal analysis

Before a manager can consider the right innovations to pursue, they must understand what the organization is best at and its strategic direction. This week, discuss the importance of knowing the core competencies and why internal and external analyses are important.

Explain why it is necessary to perform an external and internal analysis before the company can identify its true core competencies. What happens when either analysis is poorly done or not done at all?

Full Answer Section

External analysis:

An external analysis helps a company to understand its opportunities and threats. This includes factors such as the competitive landscape, industry trends, and customer needs.

By understanding its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, a company can identify its true core competencies. Core competencies are the unique skills and capabilities that give a company a competitive advantage.

Why is it necessary to perform an external and internal analysis before the company can identify its true core competencies?

An external analysis is necessary to understand the competitive landscape and to identify the opportunities and threats that the company faces. Without understanding the external environment, it is difficult to identify the company's true core competencies.

An internal analysis is necessary to understand the company's strengths and weaknesses. Without understanding the company's internal capabilities, it is difficult to identify the core competencies that give the company a competitive advantage.

What happens when either analysis is poorly done or not done at all?

If an external analysis is poorly done or not done at all, the company may not be aware of the opportunities and threats that it faces. This can lead to the company making poor decisions about its core competencies and its overall strategy.

If an internal analysis is poorly done or not done at all, the company may not be aware of its true strengths and weaknesses. This can also lead to the company making poor decisions about its core competencies and its overall strategy.

Here are some examples of what can happen when either analysis is poorly done or not done at all:

  • The company may focus on core competencies that are not relevant to the competitive landscape or to customer needs.
  • The company may fail to identify new opportunities that could help it to grow and succeed.
  • The company may not be aware of new threats that could damage its business.
  • The company may make poor decisions about how to allocate its resources.
  • The company may not be able to compete effectively in the marketplace.

Overall, it is essential for companies to perform both an external and internal analysis before identifying their true core competencies. By understanding their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, companies can make better decisions about their core competencies and their overall strategy.

Sample Answer

It is important to perform an external and internal analysis before the company can identify its true core competencies.

Internal analysis:

An internal analysis helps a company to understand its strengths and weaknesses. This includes factors such as the company's resources, capabilities, costs, and competitive advantages.