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What is the Internal and External Analysis of the Business?

Dec 8, 2025

What is the Internal and External Analysis of the Business?

What is the Internal and External Analysis of the Business?

What is the Internal and External Analysis of the Business?

Subject:

What is the Internal and External Analysis of the Business?

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10 Min

Date:

Dec 8, 2025

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The internal and external analysis of a business are two distinct types of analysis conducted to examine and understand the factors affecting the operations and performance of the business. The internal analysis of the business examines the internal factors and resources of the business. In this analysis, the strengths and weaknesses of the business, as well as opportunities and threats, are determined. The internal factors of the business include topics such as human resources, financial resources, production processes, marketing strategies, management, and organizational structure. The strengths of the business can include an effective organizational structure, impactful marketing strategies, high-quality products, and services. The weaknesses of the business may include poor management, insufficient human resources, and financial difficulties. The internal analysis of the business is used to identify the measures that need to be taken to improve the performance and operations of the business. The external analysis of the business examines the external factors affecting the business. In this analysis, factors such as the sector in which the business operates, its competitors, customers, suppliers, and other environmental factors are examined. External factors include economic, political, demographic, social, and cultural factors. The external analysis helps to identify the strategies of the business's competitors, trends in the sector, customer needs, and the strengths and weaknesses within the supply chain. The internal and external analyses are crucial for enhancing the business's performance and competitive edge. The internal analysis helps the business to be aware of its strengths and weaknesses and to make improvements, while the external analysis aids the business in better understanding the sector and market in which it operates and developing better competitive strategies. The internal and external analyses assist the business in managing its operations better and fostering growth. The internal and external analyses should be regularly conducted and updated by business managers. The internal analysis helps managers gain a better understanding of the resources and capabilities possessed by the business, while the external analysis helps them monitor changes in the market and sector in which the business operates. Conducting internal and external analyses assists business managers in developing strategies to enhance the business's competitive edge. Being aware of the business's strengths aids it in gaining an advantage over competitors by leveraging these strengths. Additionally, being aware of the business's weaknesses encourages it to work on improving these areas. External analyses help the business track trends and changes in the market and sector in which it operates. Business managers can adjust their strategies by following these changes. For instance, technological changes in a sector may help business managers restructure their businesses accordingly. In conclusion, the internal and external analyses of the business are very important for improving its performance and strengthening its competitiveness. By regularly conducting these analyses, business managers can gain an advantage over competitors by utilizing the business's strengths and improve the business's performance by addressing its weaknesses.

What is Internal Analysis?

The internal analysis of a business is a method used to analyze the resources, capabilities, strategies, organization, and performance of the business. Business managers can identify the strengths and weaknesses of the business through these analyses. Internal analysis determines the strengths of the business by analyzing its resources and capabilities. These resources include human resources, financial resources, physical resources, technological resources, and brand reputation. The capabilities of the business represent its level of success in activities such as customer service, production, distribution, sales, and marketing. Identifying the strengths of the business helps it gain an advantage over competitors by leveraging these strengths. Internal analysis is also used to analyze the business's strategies, structure, and performance. The strategies determine the business's objectives and the means used to achieve these objectives. Internal analysis evaluates the appropriateness and effectiveness of the business's strategies. The structure of the business represents its organizational setup, management style, and business processes. Internal analysis assesses the alignment of the business’s structure with its objectives. The performance of the business indicates the degree to which the business achieves its goals. Internal analysis identifies the weaknesses of the business by evaluating its performance. Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a business and evaluating its performance is crucial in internal analysis. Business managers can develop strategies to gain an advantage over competitors by utilizing the business's strengths and improve its performance by addressing its weaknesses through these analyses. The methods used in internal analysis include SWOT analysis, five forces analysis, value chain analysis, resource-based analysis, and cost advantage analysis. These methods help managers determine the strengths and weaknesses of the business, evaluate its resources and capabilities, measure its performance, and enhance its strategic management. SWOT analysis is used to identify the strengths (strengths), weaknesses (weaknesses), opportunities (opportunities), and threats (threats) faced by the business. The five forces analysis helps to evaluate the behavior of competitors and customers in the business's sector and to identify its competitive advantages. Value chain analysis determines the position of the business's activities within the value-creating chain, enabling the more effective use of its resources. Resource-based analysis identifies the resources and capabilities available to the business and focuses on maximizing the efficient use of these resources to increase its competitive advantage. Cost advantage analysis helps to identify the business's cost advantages by analyzing its production costs. The internal analysis of the business is an important tool for identifying its strengths and weaknesses and improving its performance. Business managers can enhance the strategic planning and performance of the business through these analyses.


What is External Analysis?

External analysis involves analyzing the external environment in which the business operates. Identifying and analyzing the external factors affecting the business helps managers predict the future success of the business and make strategic plans. In external analysis, factors such as the sector in which the business operates, competitors, suppliers, customers, government policies, technological advancements, and economic conditions are examined. These factors help identify opportunities and threats that may impact the business's operations. The primary goal of external analysis is to understand the external factors affecting the business's operations and provide useful information to predict its future performance. These analyses are necessary to supply information that will be utilized in strategic planning. Methods such as PESTEL analysis, industry analysis, competitor analysis, supplier analysis, and customer analysis can be employed in external analysis. PESTEL analysis involves examining political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors. Industry analysis involves analyzing developments in the sector in which the business operates. Competitor analysis includes examining the competitors operating in the business's industry. Supplier analysis entails analyzing the business's suppliers. Customer analysis focuses on understanding the business's customers. External analysis is crucial for the business's future success. Business managers can monitor changes in the external environment in which the business operates by conducting these analyses and adjust their strategic planning accordingly. External analysis is an essential tool for identifying opportunities and threats. Based on the results of the external analysis, business managers can evaluate the opportunities in their operations and take preventive measures against threats. For instance, based on the external analysis results, business managers could foresee changes, such as a new technology entering the market or increasing competition. In this case, managers can make strategic decisions to maintain or enhance the business's competitive advantage. Moreover, external analysis provides information about the target customer base, customer expectations, and market trends. Based on the results of customer analysis, business managers can develop new products or services to meet customer expectations. Ultimately, the success of the business is influenced by both internal and external factors. While conducting internal analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the business, managers can make strategic decisions to leverage opportunities revealed from external analysis and combat threats. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to regularly conduct internal and external analyses and use the findings in their strategic planning.


What Should Be Considered When Conducting Internal Analysis?

Internal analysis is an assessment process carried out to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the business. Business managers can take strategic decisions based on the results of the internal analysis to enhance the performance of the business. Some important points to consider when conducting internal analysis are as follows:
Using accurate data: It is important that the data used in internal analysis is correct and up-to-date. Incorrect or outdated data may not reflect the actual performance of the business and can lead to erroneous conclusions.
Transparency: It is vital for managers to exhibit an objective and transparent approach when conducting internal analysis. Objectively evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the business and sharing the results transparently is key to enhancing business performance.
Considering the business culture: The culture and values of the business should also be considered during internal analysis. By making strategic decisions that align with the business culture, managers can enhance overall performance.
Considering internal functions: When conducting internal analysis, it is crucial to consider all internal functions of the business. Evaluating all functions such as financial performance, human resources, production, sales, marketing, and customer relations helps in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the business.

Benchmarking: It is important to conduct benchmarking to assess the outcomes of the internal analysis. Benchmarking is a method used to compare the performance of the business with other businesses, which is important for understanding how successful the business's performance is. In conclusion, when conducting internal analysis, the use of accurate data, transparency, consideration of business culture, consideration of internal functions, and conducting benchmarking are essential. These methods enable business managers to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the business and facilitate strategic decisions to improve performance.


What Should Be Considered When Conducting External Analysis?

Some considerations when performing external analysis include:
Proper use of resources: While conducting external analysis, it is crucial to effectively utilize your limited resources. Therefore, it is important to use your data and resources correctly during the analysis.

Selecting relevant data: When conducting external analysis, it is essential to choose accurate and relevant data pertaining to the topic being analyzed. This data should cover topics such as the sector in which your business operates, your competitors, customers, suppliers, market trends, etc.

Accurately identifying competitors: When conducting external analysis, correctly identifying your competitors is important. You should list all the competitors in your sector and analyze their actions and performances.

Ability to anticipate future trends: It is necessary to have the ability to predict future trends in your sector while conducting external analysis. This allows you to remain prepared for upcoming changes when determining your business's strategies.

Correct interpretation of the analysis: Accurately interpreting the collected data is essential during external analysis. Misinterpreted data can lead to incorrect strategies and adversely affect the business's success.

Continuous updating of the analysis: External analysis needs to be updated continuously in accordance with changes and trends in your sector. Therefore, you should refresh your analysis at regular intervals.

Conducting SWOT analysis: It is also important to conduct SWOT analysis while executing external analysis. This analysis identifies both the strengths and weaknesses of the business, as well as the opportunities and threats in the sector. This information can be utilized in determining the business's strategies.

Regular reporting: Results from the external analysis should be shared with the business's managers and stakeholders. Therefore, regular reports should be prepared and all stakeholders should be informed about the analysis results.

Defining strategies based on the analysis results: When conducting external analysis, the results obtained should be utilized in informing the business's strategies. Correct strategies are defined based on the analysis results, and these strategies enhance the business's success.

Proper use of analysis results: Conducting external analysis is vital for predicting future performance. However, if analysis results are not used correctly, they can negatively affect the business's success. Therefore, it is crucial to define and implement strategies based on the analysis results appropriately.

Conducting external analysis in a competitive environment: It is also important to consider the competition in the sector in which the business operates when performing external analysis. Factors such as the strengths and weaknesses of competitors, market share, and customer preferences should be analyzed.

Continuous updating of the analysis: The external factors affecting the business can change continuously. Therefore, the results of external analysis should also be continually updated. Changes in the results of the analysis may lead to updates in the business's strategies.

Being objective: When conducting external analysis, it is essential for the business’s managers and employees to act with an objective viewpoint. Avoiding personal biases and opinions that may influence the analysis results is key.

Conducting external analysis from credible sources: It is important to use trustworthy and accurate sources for the data employed in external analysis. Therefore, business managers should stay informed about current developments in the industry and select their sources correctly.

Determining the structure of the analysis: There are various methods and tools available for conducting external analysis. It is essential to define an analysis structure appropriate to the needs and objectives of the business. Thus, business managers should choose the most suitable method and tool while conducting external analysis.


What Are the Factors Influencing Internal Analysis?

Internal analysis focuses on examining the factors within a business's internal environment. The factors influencing internal analysis include:
The business's strategy: The strategies established by the business directly influence the results of the internal analysis. The strategies impact how the business uses its resources, the quality of its products and services, and customer satisfaction.

The business's structure: The organizational structure of the business plays a significant role in internal analysis. Factors such as coordination between departments, decision-making processes, and the distribution of authority and responsibilities are analyzed.

The business's resources: The material and immaterial resources owned by the business are evaluated in internal analysis. Factors such as the financial resources, employees, technological infrastructure, supply chain, and brand value of the business are analyzed.

The products/services of the business: The business's products and services are key factors assessed in internal analysis. Factors such as product/service quality, pricing strategies, marketing strategies, and customer services are analyzed.

The business's human resources: Employees are a critical factor in the internal analysis of the business. Factors such as employees' qualifications, competencies, training status, motivation, and satisfaction are examined.

The business's culture: The culture of the business is one of the factors considered in internal analysis. The business's values, norms, beliefs, and behavior patterns are analyzed.

The business's technological infrastructure: The technological infrastructure of the business is a significant factor in internal analysis. The technology owned by the business impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations.

The business's financial performance: The financial performance of the business is an important factor evaluated in internal analysis. The financial position of the business, including profitability, cash flow, debt levels, asset and liability productivity, is assessed to determine how profitable the business is, how well it manages its debts, and the status of its cash flow.


What Are the Factors Influencing External Environment Analysis?

The factors influencing external environment analysis include:
Economic factors: The economic conditions of the country where businesses operate, such as economic growth, unemployment rates, interest rates, and inflation rates, are significant factors that impact their external environments.

Political factors: Political stability, government policies, legal regulations, and regulatory agencies are the political factors in the countries where businesses operate. Social factors: The lifestyle of the society in which businesses operate, demographic structure, cultural differences, consumer behaviors, trends, and fashions can all impact their external environments.
Technological factors: Technological advancements, innovations, and changes enable businesses to enhance their competitive advantages and are significant factors in their external environments.

Environmental factors: Eco-friendly products, environmental policies, regulations, and preservation of natural resources can also be influential on businesses' external environments. Legal factors: Local and international legal regulations, court decisions, contract laws, copyright laws, and patents are factors that can affect businesses' external environments. Among the other significant factors are economic factors. The economic environment and conditions of the market in which the business operates can directly impact its success. For instance, during periods of low economic growth, consumer spending may decrease, negatively reflecting on the business's sales.

Social factors also play a crucial role in external environment analysis. Consumer social behaviors, trends, and preferences can influence the business's marketing strategies and products. For example, in recent years, there has been a growing trend towards healthy living, which has increased the demand for organic food products.

Technological factors are also assessed in the external environment analysis of businesses. Technological innovations allow businesses to improve their production processes and products while simultaneously intensifying competition among them. For instance, the rapid development of digital technologies necessitates businesses to create digital marketing strategies, making it imperative for other businesses to become competitive in this realm.

Finally, political factors are also taken into account in the external environment analysis of a business. Political decisions and regulations can directly affect the operations of the business. For instance, tax policies, trade agreements, and labor and employment regulations can significantly influence the business's activities.

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Are you ready to transform your business?

If you are thinking about investing, growing, or scaling your exports, you are with the right partner at the right time. The step you take today will determine the future of your company. Let’s evaluate the opportunities ahead of your company and the growth roadmap together.

About Us CTA Image

Are you ready to transform your business?

If you are thinking about investing, growing, or scaling your exports, you are with the right partner at the right time. The step you take today will determine the future of your company. Let’s evaluate the opportunities ahead of your company and the growth roadmap together.

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What is the Internal and External Analysis of the Business?

Stratwell Services image

What is the Internal and External Analysis of the Business?

Stratwell Services image

What is the Internal and External Analysis of the Business?

Stratwell Services image

What is the Internal and External Analysis of the Business?