Final answer:
The false statement among the options is that opportunities and threats are most easily identified by analyzing both the industry and the firm itself. External factors such as global market trends, demographic changes, and technological advances also play crucial roles in identifying opportunities and threats. So, the correct answer is D. opportunities and threats are most easily identified by analyzing both the industry and the firm itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is false among the options given is, 'D. opportunities and threats are most easily identified by analyzing both the industry and the firm itself.'
While analyzing the industry and the firm can yield insights into potential opportunities and threats, it is not necessarily the case that they are most easily identified in this manner.
In reality, changes and trends in the global marketplace, technology, and demographics can also reveal opportunities and threats that may not be apparent through internal analysis alone.
Suppliers can indeed pose a threat to a firm if they have significant bargaining power or if they become competitors.
Moreover, demographic changes can significantly impact a firm's market, either positively or negatively.
Similarly, while technology often provides advantages, technological changes can also be unfavorable for a company if it cannot adapt effectively or if the technology disrupts the business model.
Thus, the correct answer is D. opportunities and threats are most easily identified by analyzing both the industry and the firm itself.