General environment – how will the forces be changing over the next three years and how will these forces impact the industry (for example, demographics – aging population)?
To analyze how forces in the general environment are expected to change over the next three years and their impact on the industry, you would typically follow these steps:
1. Research and Identify Forces: Begin by identifying the key forces that influence the industry. These forces include political, economic, sociocultural, technological, environmental, and legal factors (often referred to as PESTEL analysis).
2. Collect Current Data: Gather data on the current state of each force to establish a baseline. This can involve studying industry reports, government publications, market research, and demographic data.
3. Identify Trends: Look for trends or patterns within each force to understand how they may evolve over the next three years. This could involve examining historical data, expert opinions, or predictive analysis.
4. Analyze Impact: Assess how these evolving forces will impact the industry. For example, consider how an aging population might affect consumer behavior, product demand, or workforce availability. Look at both the positive and negative impacts across different aspects of the industry.
5. Consider Interactions: Recognize that forces are interconnected, and changes in one force can influence others. Evaluate potential synergies or conflicts between different forces and their implications for the industry.
6. Make Projections: Based on your analysis, project how each force is likely to change and develop scenarios for the industry's future. This can help in understanding potential risks or opportunities.
7. Communicate Findings: Present your findings, including a clear assessment of how changing forces are expected to impact the industry over the next three years. Highlight specific actions or strategies that industry stakeholders can take to respond effectively.
Remember, the accuracy of your analysis will depend on the quality of the data and your ability to interpret and contextualize it. Stay up to date with the latest information, engage with industry experts, and consider using relevant analytical tools or frameworks to enhance your analysis.
What industry?
What forces?
I have absolutely no idea what business you're dealing with, but re the part of US population ("baby boomers") who will be retiring in large numbers of the next few years, companies would be well advised to develop products that large numbers of people with arthritis (for example) can actually open. Caps on juice bottles that are on too tight, blister-pack packaging for various OTC medicines, etc., that are too hard for people with arthritic hands will become problems ... and people will undoubtedly "vote with their pocketbooks."
More ideas along these lines are here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/06/sunday/main20039772.shtml?tag=contentBody;featuredPost-PE