Business security

Competitive Intelligence Cycle

Competitive intelligence is the process of gathering, examining and distributing information pertaining to competitors, products, customers and any aspect of the business landscape required to support those making strategic decisions for the business. Competitive intelligence also aims to improve the organization’s competitiveness.

The Competitive Intelligence cycle includes the following:

1. Planning & Direction
This step includes the management and deciding on what intelligence it requires and the competitive intelligence analyst deciding which direction to pursue to successfully accomplish the task.

2. Collection & Research
During this step, the collection of raw information for intelligence purposes is accomplished. The information sources used are those that are publicly accessible. This means that if the practitioner knows where to look, the information can be discovered...