Which technique is used to compare an organization's strengths and weaknesses?

SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that is widely used to identify and evaluate an organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This technique provides a comprehensive view of both internal and external factors that can impact the organization's objectives.

In the context of business process management, the strengths and weaknesses component focuses specifically on internal capabilities to assess areas where the organization excels or faces challenges. By categorizing these elements, decision-makers can devise strategies that leverage strengths to capitalize on opportunities while addressing weaknesses that may hinder performance.

The other techniques mentioned serve different analytical purposes. Gap analysis is primarily used to identify the disparity between current performance and desired performance, focusing on quantifying gaps rather than providing a broad framework for strengths and weaknesses. PEST analysis (Political, Economic, Social, and Technological analysis) examines external environmental factors impacting the business but does not delve into the internal characteristics of the organization. Meanwhile, Porter's Five Forces framework focuses on analyzing the competitive landscape and the forces affecting industry profitability, rather than assessing individual organizational strengths and weaknesses. Thus, SWOT analysis stands out as the technique specifically designed for this comparison.