Quick Answer
SWOT analysis is the correct technique for evaluating strategic alignment because it systematically assesses how a proposed solution fits within an organization’s broader goals by examining internal Strengths and Weaknesses alongside external Opportunities and Threats. This framework directly connects the solution’s potential to leverage organizational advantages and address market realities, ensuring it supports rather than undermines strategic objectives. On the CAPM exam, this question tests your understanding of business analysis techniques within the context of requirements and solution evaluation, often appearing as a scenario where you must choose the tool that bridges project outputs with enterprise strategy. A common trap is confusing SWOT with a cost-benefit analysis or risk assessment, but remember that SWOT is uniquely focused on alignment rather than purely financial or probabilistic factors. To lock it in, think of the mnemonic “SWOT for Strategy”—if the question asks about fit with goals, SWOT is your go-to.
This CAPM practice question tests your understanding of business analysis frameworks. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A business analyst is evaluating whether a proposed solution aligns with the organization's strategic goals. Which business analysis technique should be used?
MoSCoW analysis
Why wrong: MoSCoW is for prioritizing requirements, not strategic alignment.
Gap analysis
Why wrong: Gap analysis identifies differences between current and future states, not strategic alignment.
Feasibility study
Why wrong: Feasibility studies assess if a solution is practical, not alignment with strategic goals.
SWOT analysis
SWOT analysis helps evaluate strategic alignment by examining internal and external factors.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SWOT analysis
SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is the correct technique because it directly evaluates how a proposed solution aligns with the organization's strategic goals by examining internal capabilities and external market factors. This technique helps the business analyst determine whether the solution leverages organizational strengths and opportunities while mitigating weaknesses and threats, ensuring strategic fit.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
MoSCoW analysis
Why it's wrong here
MoSCoW is for prioritizing requirements, not strategic alignment.
Gap analysis
Why it's wrong here
Gap analysis identifies differences between current and future states, not strategic alignment.
Feasibility study
Why it's wrong here
Feasibility studies assess if a solution is practical, not alignment with strategic goals.
SWOT analysis
Why this is correct
SWOT analysis helps evaluate strategic alignment by examining internal and external factors.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse SWOT analysis with gap analysis, assuming both assess alignment, but gap analysis focuses on performance discrepancies rather than strategic fit with organizational goals.
Detailed technical explanation
SWOT analysis is a structured planning method that evaluates internal factors (Strengths and Weaknesses) and external factors (Opportunities and Threats) to inform strategic decision-making. In business analysis, it is often used during the enterprise analysis phase to ensure that proposed solutions support the organization's vision and mission. A real-world scenario: a company considering a new CRM system would use SWOT to see if the solution aligns with its goal of improving customer retention (strength) while addressing competitive pressures (threat).
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CAPM exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Business Analysis Frameworks — This question tests Business Analysis Frameworks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: SWOT analysis — SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is the correct technique because it directly evaluates how a proposed solution aligns with the organization's strategic goals by examining internal capabilities and external market factors. This technique helps the business analyst determine whether the solution leverages organizational strengths and opportunities while mitigating weaknesses and threats, ensuring strategic fit.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAPM exam.
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