The document discusses assessing a business environment by scanning both the internal and external factors. It explains that conducting an environmental scan is important as it allows a business to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in order to optimally use resources, survive and grow, develop long-term strategies, and make effective decisions. The document outlines several techniques for assessing the business environment, including PEST/PESTLE, SWOT, Porter's 5 Forces model, value chain analysis, and life cycle assessment.