Competitive Intelligence: Information Gathering

Overview/Description
 This course introduces the identification of typical primary and secondary sources and the kinds of information they contain. In addition, it addresses the identification of typical public and non-public sources of information and how to access them legally and ethically. The use of the Internet to obtain competitive information is also covered in this course.

Target Audience
 Middle and upper level managers involved in tactical and strategic planning, and personnel interested in making a strong contribution to their firm.

Expected Duration
1.5 hours

Lesson Objectives:

Sources of Information

  • recognize the importance of identifying primary and secondary sources.
  • identify the characteristics of primary sources.
  • identify the characteristics of secondary sources.

    • Collection Process

  • recognize the importance of the information collection process.
  • identify the sources of public domain information collection given a case.
  • analyze the sources of non-public domain information collection given a case.

    • The Internet

  • recognize the significance of using the Internet for information collection.
  • analyze the considerations of using the Internet for information collection.
  • identify the information collection resources specific to the Internet.

    • Course Number: STGY0342