Which of the following would be considered an internal data source for planning purposes?

Using internal data sources for planning purposes involves analyzing information that comes from within the organization itself. Financial data, which includes figures related to income, costs of goods sold (COGS), expenses, and overall financial performance, is a critical internal source for any strategic plan. This information allows management to assess the financial health of the facility and make informed decisions based on actual performance metrics rather than external perceptions or trends.

While market trends, competitor analyses, and customer surveys can provide valuable insights, they originate from outside the organization. Market trends reflect broader industry movements, competitor analysis focuses on evaluating external rivals, and customer surveys gather feedback from users of the facility. These external sources can complement internal data but do not serve as foundational inputs for strategic planning in the same direct way that financial data does. Internal data is essential for developing accurate projections and making decisions grounded in the facility's specific circumstances.