External Environment Analysis 2026–2027 | Study Guide &
Exam Review
Importance of Analyzing the External Environment - correct answers --Managers can mitigate threats.
-Managers can leverage opportunities.
-Gain understanding of potential impacts.
-Understand the source / proximity of factors.
The PESTEL Model - correct answers --Groups environmental factors into six segments:
--Political
--Economic
--Sociocultural
--Technological
--Ecological
--Legal
These factors can create:
--Opportunities
--Threats
Political Factors - correct answers --Processes & actions of government bodies
-Firms can shape this factor through:
--Lobbying
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, --Public Relations
--Contributions
--Litigation
Example: Tesla
-Has a build-to-order sales model
-Cuts out dealers
-Dealers are lobbying for new legislation
Economic Factors - correct answers --Largely macro-economic
Examples include:
--Growth rates
--Levels of employment
--Interest rates
--Price stability
--Currency exchange rates
Sociocultural Factors - correct answers -Society's cultures, norms, and values
-Are constantly in flux
-Differ across groups
Demographic trends
-Present opportunities and threats
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