Which analytic tool helps program planners identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats?

Which analytic tool helps program planners identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats?

• A. Growth Modeling
• B. Needs Assessment
• C. SWOT Analysis
• D. Logic Model

Answer: (C)

Strategic analysis that looks at internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats helps planners shape effective programs. This approach gathers what the organization does well and where it struggles, then pairs that with external chances to advance and external risks to guard against. It provides a clear, actionable view of where to leverage assets, where to build capacity, and what external factors could impact success, guiding priorities and resource allocation. Growth modeling focuses on forecasting future growth and trajectories rather than evaluating internal capabilities and environmental factors. Needs assessment centers on identifying gaps and demands within a target population to determine what a program should address, not on weighing internal versus external conditions. A logic model maps the intended relationships between resources, activities, and outcomes, showing how a program is supposed to work but not explicitly analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Strategic analysis that looks at internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats helps planners shape effective programs. This approach gathers what the organization does well and where it struggles, then pairs that with external chances to advance and external risks to guard against. It provides a clear, actionable view of where to leverage assets, where to build capacity, and what external factors could impact success, guiding priorities and resource allocation.

Growth modeling focuses on forecasting future growth and trajectories rather than evaluating internal capabilities and environmental factors. Needs assessment centers on identifying gaps and demands within a target population to determine what a program should address, not on weighing internal versus external conditions. A logic model maps the intended relationships between resources, activities, and outcomes, showing how a program is supposed to work but not explicitly analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.