Different kinds of environment can be distinguished such as near (or competitive environment) and the far environment; local, national and international environment.

These different environments can be analysed using models such as Porter's 5 forces model, the industry life cycle and PEST (or variations like PESTEL or STEEP). These underpin the OT part of a SWOT analysis. The procedures for conducting a SWOT analysis can be included within this section.

The SW part of the SWOT could be explored by looking at ideas like a resource audit, the value chain and core competences.