In SWOT analysis, which components are external factors?

• A. Strengths and Weaknesses
• B. Opportunities and Threats
• C. Marketing and Sales
• D. People and Processes

Answer: (B)

In SWOT analysis, external factors are opportunities and threats because they come from outside the organization and can shape strategic decisions. Opportunities are favorable outside chances to grow or improve performance, such as entering a rising market or benefiting from changes in consumer behavior. Threats are external challenges that could hinder success, like new competitors, regulatory shifts, or economic downturns. Internal factors, like strengths and weaknesses, originate within the organization and reflect its resources and capabilities, while marketing and sales or people and processes are internal aspects rather than external ones. So the external pair is opportunities and threats.