How do I conduct effective research to answer Key Intelligence Questions, as well as support human intelligence & analysis?

What are effective tools & techniques that can support and enhance my efforts?

Although there are practices and tools in common, effective intelligence research involves distinct considerations, frameworks, techniques, strategy, and resources from general business research. This online course presents and examines these essential aspects to the Published Source Collection (aka literature research or secondary research) function of the Intelligence Process. In this (Part 1) course, we will discuss key techniques and resources, as well as trends in intelligence, content, and technology that affect intelligence research. Topics covered include: devising research strategies, research to support human intelligence gathering and intelligence analysis, traditional and non-traditional resources types and selection, Web monitoring tools, and more. This course includes an exercise and discussions involving intelligence research to support analysis.

Note: Participants will receive a copy of the e-book: Know! Competitive Intelligence: Published Source Collection. (Knowledge inForm, 2005)

Course Level: Fundamental -  Basic concepts for those new to the topic or application.

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will be able to support the fundamental research aspects of the Published Source Collection function in a variety of project contexts. When given an array of intelligence research questions, issues, and problems, participants will be able to fulfill fundamental research needs and outline possible solutions.  

Specific Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the purpose, function, and types of Published Source Collection.

2. Apply fundamental intelligence research techniques, strategies, practices, resources, and tools to generate more effective and efficient results.

3. Align research efforts with human intelligence collection and analysis activities.

4. Develop and employ a balanced approach to sourcing, researching, and monitoring.

5. Demonstrate the ability to work with and within an intelligence project team as an effective researcher.

Participants will develop skills and abilities according to professional competencies outlined by Knowledge inForm.

Performance Measure

Course assessment, exercises, and discussions will measure and evaluate the degree of understanding that participants achieve over the learning process.

People are Saying

"This course increased my awareness of CI related sources and enforces my understanding of the difference between info and CI analysis.  Definitely enables me to provide value-added research results to my customers."

"I learned a lot of significant things about published source collection that I didn't previously understand, that I have actually been doing and needed to tweak, and that will improve my work going forward."

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