7.1. Strategic Analysis

Strategic analysis is a fundamental process for nutrition professionals and organizations to evaluate and navigate the complexities of their competitive environment. Why is it essential for these professionals to invest time and resources into strategic management? Nutrition organizations do not operate in isolation; they are influenced by a variety of internal factors and external forces. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for achieving success in the field. For example, the growing diversity in dietary needs and cultural preferences has led many organizations to adapt their services and communications. This might involve offering multilingual resources or culturally tailored nutrition programs to better address the needs of diverse populations. ​(Bright et al., 2019)​ 

The external environment in nutrition and health is continuously evolving and the most successful organizations are those that proactively anticipate and adapt to these changes through effective strategic management. To navigate this complex landscape, nutrition professionals engage in strategic analysis, which involves the systematic and deliberate planning, formulation and thinking of strategies to address both internal and external factors ​(Payne-Palacio, 2015)​. Whether managing a small community clinic or a large public health initiative, organizations of all sizes in the nutrition sector benefit from sound strategic management practices. In the following sections, we will explore key strategic factors relevant to nutrition professionals and how these principles can be applied to enhance their effectiveness and impact.