THR: Threats
Document Type
Code: THR
Name: Threats
Domain: Market & Environment
Abstract
This specification defines the Threats document type within the BSpec 1.0 Universal Business Specification Standard. It establishes normative requirements, structured templates, and implementation guidance for organizations documenting threats within the market-environment domain. This specification enables systematic, machine-readable documentation that supports strategic planning, operational execution, and organizational alignment.
Purpose and Scope
The Threats document identifies external risks to market position and business model. It analyzes potential threats from competitors, market changes, and environmental factors.
Document Metadata Schema
yaml
---
id: THR-{threat-analysis-identifier}
title: "Market Threats Analysis"
type: THR
status: Draft|Review|Accepted|Deprecated
version: 1.0.0
owner: Strategy-Lead|Risk-Management
stakeholders: [leadership-team, board, department-heads]
domain: market
priority: high
scope: global
horizon: medium
visibility: internal
depends_on: [CMP-*, TRN-*, MAC-*]
enables: [RSK-*, MIT-*, STR-*]
success_criteria:
- "Threats are identified before they become critical"
- "Impact assessment guides defensive strategies"
- "Early warning systems are operational"
- "Mitigation strategies are prepared"
assumptions:
- "Threat identification sources are comprehensive"
- "Impact assessments are realistic"
- "Organization can respond to threats effectively"
review_cycle: monthly
---Content Structure Template
markdown
# Market Threats Analysis
## Overview
*Summary of key threats to our market position and business model*
## Threat Framework
### Categories
- Competitive threats (new entrants, incumbents, substitutes, price wars)
- Market threats (contraction, demand shifts, channel disruption)
- Technology threats (disruption, platform shifts, obsolescence)
- Regulatory threats (new rules, policy changes, compliance costs)
- Economic threats (downturns, currency, inflation, credit)
- Social threats (behavioral changes, value shifts, movements)
### Assessment Criteria
- Probability (high/medium/low likelihood and timeline)
- Impact (revenue, market share, cost, strategic effects)
- Threat severity (critical/high/medium/low priority)
## Identified Threats
### Threat 1: [Name]
**Description**: Clear definition of the threat
**Source and Mechanism**
- Where threat originates
- How it could impact business
- Attack vectors and pathways
**Probability Assessment**
- Likelihood and confidence level
- Timeline and trigger conditions
- Early warning indicators
**Impact Analysis**
- Revenue and market share impact
- Cost implications and constraints
- Strategic and competitive effects
**Vulnerability Analysis**
- Why we're exposed to this threat
- Defensive strengths and weaknesses
- Recovery difficulty and options
**Mitigation Strategies**
- Preventive measures and preparation
- Response plans and contingencies
- Resource requirements and timeline
### [Continue for each significant threat]
## Threat Interactions
- Compound threats and amplification effects
- Systemic risks and cascade scenarios
- Conflicting threat responses
## Threat Prioritization
- Critical threats requiring immediate attention
- Important threats needing active monitoring
- Watch list threats for periodic review
## Defensive Strategy
- Prevention, preparation, response, recovery framework
- Competitive, market, innovation, operational responses
- Crisis preparedness and business continuity
## Monitoring System
- Surveillance framework and information sources
- Early warning indicators and alert thresholds
- Assessment frequency and escalation triggers
## Validation
*Evidence that threat analysis is comprehensive and actionable*Quality Standards
Bronze Level (Minimum Viable)
- [ ] Key threats identified and categorized
- [ ] Basic probability and impact assessment
- [ ] Early warning indicators defined
- [ ] All required metadata fields completed
Silver Level (Investment Ready)
- [ ] Comprehensive threat analysis with interactions
- [ ] Detailed impact assessment and vulnerability analysis
- [ ] Mitigation strategies and response plans
- [ ] Threat prioritization and resource allocation
- [ ] Monitoring system with early warning capabilities
- [ ] Crisis preparedness protocols
Gold Level (Operational Excellence)
- [ ] Dynamic threat intelligence and monitoring
- [ ] Advanced scenario planning and stress testing
- [ ] Automated early warning and response systems
- [ ] Integrated business continuity management
- [ ] Regular threat landscape updates and adaptation
- [ ] Competitive threat response capabilities
Common Pitfalls
- Threat paranoia: Seeing threats everywhere and creating defensive paralysis
- Recency bias: Over-weighting recent events in threat assessment
- Internal focus: Missing external threats while focusing on known competitors
- Static analysis: Treating threats as fixed rather than evolving
Success Patterns
- Balanced perspective: Realistic assessment without paranoia or complacency
- Dynamic monitoring: Regular updates and evolution of threat assessment
- Actionable intelligence: Analysis that drives specific defensive actions
- Early warning systems: Proactive identification before threats become critical
Relationship Guidelines
Typical Dependencies
- CMP (Competitive Analysis): Competitive threats and dynamics
- TRN (Trends): Market trends reveal emerging threats
- MAC (Macro Environment): Macro factors drive systemic threats
Typical Enablements
- RSK (Risk Management): Threats inform risk assessment
- MIT (Mitigation): Threat analysis drives mitigation strategies
- STR (Strategy): Threats shape defensive strategic planning
Document Relationships
This document type commonly relates to:
- Depends on: CMP (Competitive Analysis), TRN (Trends), MAC (Macro Environment)
- Enables: RSK (Risk Management), MIT (Mitigation), STR (Strategy)
- Informs: Strategic planning, crisis management, investment priorities
- Guides: Defensive strategies, monitoring systems, contingency planning
Validation Checklist
- [ ] Threats identified across all relevant categories
- [ ] Probability and impact assessments documented
- [ ] Vulnerability analysis explains exposure factors
- [ ] Early warning indicators and monitoring established
- [ ] Mitigation strategies and response plans prepared
- [ ] Threat interactions and compound effects analyzed
- [ ] Prioritization drives resource allocation decisions
- [ ] Crisis preparedness and business continuity addressed
- [ ] Regular monitoring and assessment process operational
- [ ] Defensive strategies integrated with business planning