A SWOT analysis examines external opportunities and what other external factor?

A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps organizations identify their internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats. The correct answer, threats, complements the opportunities by providing insights into external challenges that can hinder an organization's progress or success.

Understanding threats is crucial for strategic management because it enables organizations to proactively address potential risks and vulnerabilities in their environment, such as increased competition, regulatory changes, or economic downturns. By analyzing both opportunities and threats, companies can create more effective strategies that leverage their strengths, mitigate their weaknesses, and navigate the external landscape more successfully.

The other options like challenges, resources, and strategies, while important in their own contexts, do not specifically fall under the external factors assessed within the SWOT analysis framework. Challenges are more of a general term that can encompass threats, but "threats" specifically addresses the negative external conditions impacting the organization. Resources pertain to internal capabilities, and strategies refer to the overall plan for achieving goals rather than evaluating the external environment.