CI Organization and Structure
 When you read publications, attend conferences or otherwise participate in our profession, you constantly hear a debate on the optimal organizational structure for Strategy and Competitive Intelligence groups. Passionate arguments are made for centralized versus decentralized functions, and where the team should be embedded in the organization.
Determining the right structure or placement for intelligence really comes down to one issue: Where can your team most effectively participate in decision-making? The leaders of any organization have to move it forward. If your team is an integral part of that process, and your advice and analysis is sought after and carefully considered, you have the right structure and placement.
Does that position and structure change over time? Absolutely. When we add value to the conversation and are flexible enough to envision a new future, our function will grow and prosper as the environment changes.
Sincerely,
Ken Garrison
CEO, SCIP
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
By Bonnie Hohhof
Director of Competitive Research
SCIP
The SCIP LinkedIn group members shared their views on what top
trends (macro, mini or micro) will affect the way strategic and
intelligence professionals will do their job. Here is a summary
of the discussion.
>>
more
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
By Andrew Beurschgens
Head of Market Intelligence
everything everywhere
Not just another article on social media, Andrew Beurschgens has found that although many companies have social media accounts, most are still struggling with how to use the channel and turn the data into useful intelligence.
>>
more
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
By John R. "Jack" Schafer, Ph.D.
Professor
Law Enforcement and Justice Administration
Western Illinois
University
Budget cuts have forced many companies to conduct business over the telephone
rather than face-to-face. For CI professionals who conduct
telephone interviews on a regular basis, mastering the
skills to detect deception over the telephone is particularly
helpful.
>>
more
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
By Dale Fehringer
Owner
Inkwell Productions
Starting a CI function requires more than just hiring
staff and producing deliverables. More often, it takes extensive
planning, educating and selling the function to management. Dale Fehringer shares the complex process.
>>
more
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
By Holly Lyke Ho Gland
Research Lead, Growth Team Membership
Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan is now gathering data for its 2012 Executive
Priorities Survey of Market Research and Competitive
Intelligence professionals. Respondents will receive a detailed
report on the findings including internal challenges, staffing
and budget trends as well as Tools of the Trade. Participate in
this comprehensive survey.
>>
more
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Reviewed by John J. McGonagle
Consultant - Managing Partner
The Helicon Group
A comprehensive guide in a series designed for document retrieval companies and private investigators, this invaluable tool for CI professionals navigating the world of county court records includes county-specific nomenclature, document availability, and access.
>>
more
|
|
|
| |
CHAPTER NEWS
Colorado,
Connecticut, SW Ohio and Mercyhurst College Offer Local Networking Opportunities
|
|
|
Mining Local Sources for CI
By Tom Seward
Manager, Business Information
Ballard Spahr LLP
SCIP Colorado Chapter Chair
Local geographic sources can provide valuable insight into competitors, customers and the environment in which they operate. However, fewer sources cover local areas. Marcy Phelps shared tips and techniques for identifying and incorporating local sources into your CI projects.
>>
more
|
|
Fred Wergeles |
Integration of Competitive Intelligence and Business Analytics
By Fred Wergeles
Principal, Fred Wergeles & Associates LLC
SCIP Connecticut Chapter Chair
Speaker Jonathan Calof shared how integrating CI and other intelligence functions can assist with decision making and improve outcomes throughout your organization.
>>
more
|
|
Julie Webb
Bridget Finn
Devin Langan |
Sales: A Gold Mine For CI
By Julie Webb
Sr. Research Analyst
IBM
SCIP SW Ohio Chapter Chair
Bridget Finn
Student Analyst, Intelligence Studies
Mercyhurst College
and
Devin Langan
Student Analyst, Intelligence Studies
Mercyhurst College
Connect with your sales team and gain access to one of the best ongoing tactical competitive intelligence sources available. In a SCIP onsite eLearning webinar, Ellen Naylor provided practical tips for conducting win/loss interviews that can help your sales team close more sales.
>>
more
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
The SCIP Fellows Group—individuals who have received a SCIP award for their contributions to the profession—recently reviewed a number of possible CI "elevator speeches" in an effort to develop one that can be used by any intelligence practitioner. Here is their collective recommendation:
We are the corporate radar that gives you insight into opportunities and threats before others can figure them out.
Other suggestions can be viewed at the
SCIP LinkedIn group.
|
|
|
| |
