Evaluation of the swot analysis of the development agencies used in preparing the region plan and a new advice: PESTEL analysis

Development agencies are autonomous public institutions that work under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology to reduce interregional inequalities and ensure regional development. These organizations prepare a regional plan in order to evaluate the socio-economic and physical condition of the region, to evaluate the existing sectors in the region, to identify the local demands and needs and to produce solutions. A regional plan is a strategy, coordination and direction document prepared for the development of a region. Development agencies use various analysis techniques when preparing a regional plan. One of these analysis techniques is SWOT analysis. SWOT is composed of the initials of the words strength, weakness, opportunity and threat. SWOT analysis is a strategic technique used to identify the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a subject. This technique is thought to be insufficient to serve the development agencies regional plan objectives and PESTEL analysis is proposed. PESTEL consists of the initials of the words Politic, Economic, Social, Technological, Enviromental and Legal. PESTEL analysis, on the other hand, is a strategic analysis method that deals with the important elements of the working environment which has an impact on the organization and its affiliates. In this study, SWOT analysis used by development agencies in preparing regional plan was evaluated and PESTEL analysis was presented as a suggestion. The questionnaire method and focus group interview were selected for the research and the questions were directed to the authorized persons in the development agencies. As a result of these empirical studies, it was found out that the authorities had sufficient information about the analysis method used in preparing the regional plan, had an idea about the methods other than the analysis method used and that they thought that alternative analysis methods could be tried. In addition, it was concluded that SWOT analysis is far from objectivity and does not provide sufficient information to the investor about the investment and alternative analysis methods can be tried.