A situation analysis refers to a collection of methods that managers use to analyze an organization’s internal and external environment to understand the organization’s capabilities, customers, and business environment.
From the text: It is important to construct a SWOT analysis with a clear goal in mind; otherwise, the SWOT becomes a mere listing of unrelated items that have no impact on the future strategy of the brand. The SWOT analysis is a tremendous tool for determining future communication strategy. This puts the process in proper context. Media planners must consider both marketing and communication elements when preparing a SWOT analysis. These suggestions and a thorough review of consumer trends will aid in developing a meaningful analytical tool.
In other words, the SWOT is the heart of the situation analysis. But it’s not the whole thing.

Assignment: This assignment should be thought of as two steps that result in ONE document. Include the completed SWOT template in the document with the narrative.

Step One of a situation analysis is creating a SWOT assessment.

Step Two: It goes without saying that correlation between strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats should be explained. Step Two is the 4-6 page narrative form explanation of the SWOT elements AND the following three specific areas. Refer to the text to understand the meaning and use of these three areas.
o Target market
o Geographic influence
o Seasonality and Timing
Questions you might consider as you write the narrative:
• How might the strengths can be maximized to improve cited weaknesses?
• What ways might exist to brace for potential threats by moving quickly to seize opportunities?
• What obvious connections might exist between their strengths and opportunities?
• How are weaknesses playing into the threats on the horizon?
• What relationships exist between these four areas?
• What circumstances or conditions do you see that impact success or failure?

Note: At this time, you will only develop the situation analysis. This assignment does not include creating an advertising media plan.

SITUATION ANALYSIS TOPIC
Plant-based food purchases are on the rise. US retail sales of plant-based foods are up 11% so far this year (Varney, 2019) This interest in consuming more protein from plants than animals is having an effect in the marketplace. From producers of plant-based foods to restaurants and other venues who serve them, change is coming. While veggie burgers have been around for a long time, more companies are taking this product seriously.
Your situation analysis will focus on a producer of plant-based burgers, a company called Beyond Meat. https://www.beyondmeat.com/products/
You will analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that Beyond Meat faces as their products come bolding into the American marketplace. There’s a great deal of information available about both the interest in plant-based protein and the breakthroughs Beyond Meat has made. There are also many nay-sayers and meat lovers with opinions. Do some digging to begin your analysis of Beyond Meat’s potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Here are two clips of interest to start you off. There is a great deal more research information available.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/impossible-burger-coming-to-schools-hospitals
https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/plant-based-burger-supermarkets-meat