INFS6510 - Competitive Intelligence Syst

Competitive Intelligence Systems provides an overview of Competitive Intelligence and its functions. Emphasis is on understanding the intelligence cycle and the role of competitive intelligence within decision-making, strategic planning, and business development. Competitive intelligence is a growing application of analysis that helps companies understand market dynamics and participants. Students will learn tools and applications of Competitive Intelligence (CI) - ethics, legal limits, cultural differences, history of CI, the development (and strengths/weaknesses) of the two major schools of CI thought, and the data collection process. Students will develop insights on how to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and biases regarding information sharing within an organization. Current models for the structure and organization of a competitive intelligence unit and the pitfalls of various alternatives will be emphasized, along with the specific insights needed to conduct a decision audit, an information audit, and a knowledge audit and the importance of these insights.
Prerequisite: INFS6220
3 Credits