WHAT:  SLA Virtual Learning Seminar - Competitive Intelligence Building Blocks 

Under increasing competitive pressures, LIS professionals are embracing competitive intelligence (CI) as necessary to contributing towards their organization’s success and adding value to their services. With defined processes and methods, intelligence can enhance your organization’s competitiveness and strategic development, bolster your contributions and value, as well as help you better understand industry sectors and identify professional opportunities. Moreover, the value of CI is not limited only to corporate settings, but to any organization that experiences direct or indirect competitive pressures.

This two-part seminar series covers three steps of the Intelligence Cycle: Literature (Secondary) Research, Human Source Collection (Primary Research), and Analysis. We’ll outline the components of each, including fundamental methods, processes, sources, and practical tips. Whether your position involves research or analysis, knowledge of both functions can enhance the process and outcomes of your efforts. Through these seminars, you’ll also understand how intelligence professionals practice CI and how you can start applying their methodology to your work and contributions.

Please note: These seminars are designed to complement one another; however you may register for either Part I or Part II to suit your interest and skill level.

Part I
Competitive Intelligence Building Blocks : Research

In this first segment, we’ll examine the role of research in the Intelligence Cycle and discuss literature (secondary) research and human source collection (primary research) -- both of which provide essential material for meaningful analysis. We’ll look at the purpose of, the relationship, and the differences between these two types of research, as well as their distinct sets of resources, methodology, skills, and applications in CI. We will consider how research results can support specific types of analysis techniques commonly used in intelligence and explore how info pros can meaningfully contribute to both types of research. This seminar will focus on developing an understanding of processes and techniques.

WHEN: Thursday, February 10, 1:45pm-3:30pm

WHERE:  American Council on Education, One Dupont Circle, Conference room C on the 1B level (one flight down from the lobby). You will need to show the guard a photo ID.