Which of the following is NOT typically included in a SWOT analysis?

A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to identify and evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to a business or project. The framework is designed to help organizations understand their internal capabilities and external market conditions.

Within the framework, strengths and weaknesses are internal factors that assess the resources and capabilities of the organization. Opportunities and threats, on the other hand, pertain to external factors that could impact the organization’s success.

Trends, while important for understanding the broader market context, do not fall under the specific categories defined in a traditional SWOT analysis. Instead, trends are often encapsulated within opportunities or threats but are not a standalone category used for assessment in this method. Thus, the correct identification of trends as not fitting within the categories of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats makes it clear why it is not typically included in a SWOT analysis.