What are the fundamental analytical tools & frameworks used in competitive intelligence?

When and how do I apply them?

This online course begins our exploration of the analysis function of the Intelligence Process/Cycle. Building on earlier courses in the program, participants will learn more about how to generate usable actionable intelligence from information; how analysis works with other intelligence functions; and how to define research requirements for your analytical needs. We will discuss key analytical principles, techniques, models, and tools that should be in the arsenal of any intelligence professional and demonstrate how to apply key models to support your organization’s intelligence needs. Topics include: generating useable intelligence profiles, competitive benchmarking, SWOT analysis, industry analysis, and environmental analysis. This course includes an exercise and discussions involving intelligence analytical models.

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

Participants are recommended to complete course CIC-01 or have an understanding of the competitive intelligence process and functions.

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will understand key fundamental analytical frameworks that can serve as the foundation of their analytical toolkits. When presented with intelligence research or analytical questions, issues, and problems related to the topics covered, participants will be able to support intelligence needs and outline possible solutions to fundamental intelligence questions.

Specific Learning Outcomes:

1. Apply and convert research results to useable intelligence.

2. Utilize fundamental analytical principles and models to support intelligence project planning and research efforts.

3. Employ appropriately the analytical techniques covered to understand and anticipate competitor activities and conditions, industry developments and their own organizations.

4. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of each fundamental techniques and how to address inherent advantages and limitations of key models.

5. Use the models covered in this course as the basis for building analytical capabilities and experience.

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

"In this course, the exercise was effective in making you look at all of the different analytical models and think about which one would fit."

"I now have a basic understanding of SWOT and Porter's Five Forces analysis. These will stand me in good stead as I support the competitive technical intelligence efforts at work."


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