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

How do I use these tools & frameworks?

When and how do I apply them?

The course begins our exploration of the analysis function in the Intelligence Process/Cycle, in CI practice, and for decision support. Building on earlier courses in the program, participants will learn:

1. How to generate useable, actionable intelligence from information
2. How analysis works with other intelligence functions
3. 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 and decision needs. Specific topics include: generating useable intelligence profiles, competitive benchmarking, SWOT analysis, industry analysis, and environmental analysis.
As with each course in this program, this online course places special focus on issues and opportunities for information professionals, as well as considerations that relate to the transition from information and knowledge practices to competitive intelligence and decision support.
This course includes exercises/discussions involving 1) how to select analytical models and 2) how to apply the fundamental models covered in this course.

Course Level
Fundamental– Essential concepts, practices, and resources to building intelligence practices.

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, decision needs, or analytical questions, issues, and problems related to the topics covered, participants will be able to support intelligence and decision requirements and outline possible solutions to fundamental intelligence questions and decision scenarios.

Specifically, participants will be able to:

1. Apply & convert research results to useable intelligence.
2. Utilize fundamental analytical principals & models to support intelligence project planning & research efforts.
3. Employ appropriately the analytical techniques covered in order to understand & anticipate competitor activities & conditions; industry developments; and their own organizations.
4. Assess the strengths & weaknesses of each fundamental technique and how to address inherent advantages & limitations of key models.
5. Use the models covered in this course as the basis for building their analytical capabilities and experience.

Participants will develop skills and abilities according to professional competencies outlined by professional associations and Knowledge inForm. Course assessment, exercises, and discussions will measure and evaluate the degree of understanding that participants achieve over the learning process.

Course Schedule



About the Instructor
Cynthia Cheng Correia helps professionals and organizations enhance what they do. For over two decades, she has helped managers and companies develop their competitive intelligence (CI), critical foresight, and strategic capabilities through advising, training, improving processes and practices, & applying effective tools. Click here to learn more.