Preliminary classification of the external factors and trends as either opportunities or threats which will be the inputs for the final SWOT analysis.

1. Technological Advancements – Opportunity: Technological advancements can provide organizations with valuable opportunities to improve efficiency in operations, reach out to new customers, and gain a competitive edge over their rivals. For example, automation or AI-based tools can help reduce labor costs while also providing a more efficient way of delivering services or products. Additionally, the digitalization of processes has made it easier for companies to reach larger markets and provided access to powerful analytics which can be used to better understand customer behavior and preferences.

2. Changing Consumer Habits – Opportunity: Changes in consumer habits can open up significant growth opportunities for businesses if they are able to adjust quickly enough. By understanding how people are interacting with brands before, during, and after purchase decisions have been made enables companies to identify areas where certain touchpoints may need improvement as well as discover any potential new revenue streams that could be tapped into.

3. Economic Volatility – Threat: While some fluctuations in economic conditions may present opportunities for businesses, volatile economies generally create uncertainty which could lead organizations facing challenging times such as reduced profits or layoffs due to decreased demand.

4. Regulatory Changes – Threat: New regulations may bring about increased compliance requirements which could impact an organization’s ability to remain competitive by restricting certain operational activities or forcing them into higher expenditure levels on things like safety protocols or data privacy measures.

5. Globalization of Markets – Opportunity: The globalization of markets provides numerous advantages such as access to larger pools of talent from different parts of the world as well as potentially lower costs when sourcing materials from other countries due their cheaper production costs compared with domestic ones.

6. Increased Competition – Threat: With more players entering any given market competition tends to become fierce which means companies must stay agile if they want remain ahead by continuously innovating their product offerings so that they appeal more strongly than those offered by rivals. Additionally, increased competition often leads organizations having reduced pricing power due the sheer volume supply available which can further squeeze profit margins unless countermeasures are taken such as offering value-added services at no extra cost.