What analysis is a management team conducting when they assess the effects of start-up companies, supplier price increases, consumer demand changes, and technology requirements?

The management team is conducting a Porter's five forces analysis when they assess the effects of start-up companies, supplier price increases, consumer demand changes, and technology requirements. This framework is designed to analyze the competitive environment of a business by examining five key forces that influence strategy and profitability.

Start-up companies represent the threat of new entrants into the market, which can intensify competition and affect pricing and market share. Supplier price increases relate to the bargaining power of suppliers, a crucial factor in determining how much profit a company can make based on the costs of materials. Changes in consumer demand impact the bargaining power of buyers, reflecting how customer preferences can drive or hinder a company’s sales and strategic directions. Finally, technology requirements highlight aspects of rivalry among existing competitors, as technological advancements can change the landscape, forcing companies to adapt quickly or risk losing their competitive edge.

While other options like SWOT analysis, PEST analysis, and value chain analysis also provide valuable insights, they focus on different aspects. SWOT looks at strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats from a more internal and external strategic perspective, PEST centers on political, economic, social, and technological factors impacting the broader environment, and value chain analysis examines the company's internal processes in creating value for customers.