SLA Competitive Intelligence Division Blog

CIC05: CI Published Source Collection: Research Techniques, Part II

How do I conduct more advanced business and industry research for intelligence?
What are some tools and techniques that can support my efforts?

Take advantage of the Competitive Intelligence Certificates Program, offered exclusively through SLA, and available to non-members too. Register for CIC05. CI Published Source Collection: Research Techniques, Part II, the next course of Click U’s Competitive Intelligence Certificates program. To view the discount options that are available please visit CI Discount Options.

The course begins 13 September 2010.

 

CIC05. CI Published Source Collection: Research Techniques, Part II

Competitive intelligence literature researchers face the perennial challenge of uncovering rarified, high-value, and timely information in the context of fast-paced, high-stakes and continuous intelligence projects. How can we accomplish this? This, Part 2 of the online course, CI Published Source Collection: Research Techniques, builds on Part 1 by examining advanced topics that include 1) international intelligence research for business, industry, and people; 2) intellectual property research; 3) conducting research for common analytical frameworks; 4) designing and managing effective monitoring efforts; 5) intelligence research software. Topics will build from general business research by focusing on and highlighting creative techniques and sources used in intelligence collection.

Prerequisite: Participants enrolled for the IIF and Dual Competitive Intelligence Certificates are recommended to have completed course CIC-04. Those not pursuing a certificate may take any course a la carte.

Critical Learning Questions
 

1. How is international literature research conducted to support intelligence efforts? How can I generate more effective results? What do I need to consider regarding specific geographic regions?
2. How does intellectual property research support intelligence? How can I generate effective results? What do I need to consider regarding specific regions, types of intellectual property, and intelligence needs?
3. What are common analytical models and the questions surrounding them? What types of questions can I answer through my research? How can I more efficiently and effectively answer these questions and gather information for analysis?
4. How can I design and manage monitoring efforts for various types of intelligence projects and requirements? What types of techniques and tools are available to me?
5. What types of software are available to support my research efforts? How can I evaluate them effectively for intelligence applications?

Instructor: Anna Shallenberger
Course dates:  13 September - 1 October 2010

Questions?  Need more information?  Contact Click University.

CIC04: CI Published Source Collection: Research Techniques, Part I

Starts August 2 - Register today!

How do I conduct effective research to answer Key Intelligence Questions, as well as support human intelligence & analysis? What are effective tools & techniques that can support and enhance my efforts?

Although there are practices and tools in common, effective intelligence research involves distinct considerations, frameworks, techniques, strategy, and resources from general business research. This online course presents and examines these essential aspects to the Published Source Collection (aka literature research or secondary research) function of the Intelligence Process. In this (Part 1) course key techniques and resources are discussed, as well as trends in intelligence, content and technology that affect intelligence research. Topics covered include: devising research strategies, research to support human intelligence gathering and intelligence analysis, traditional and non-traditional resources types and selection, Web monitoring tools and more. This course includes an exercise and discussions involving intelligence research to support analysis. Learn course details and register.

Learn more about SLA's Click University Competitive Intelligence Certificates Program.

Questions? Need more info? Contact [email protected].

SLA 2010 Annual Conference: CI Division Program Sponsors

Reflections on SLA Annual - Tuesday

Today's CI sessions include:

• Competitive Intelligence Division Business Meeting Breakfast: 7:30am - 9:30am, Convention Center Room R05
  
• InfoCitizen: Creating and Finding Value in Online Communities: 10:00am -11:30am, Convention Center Room 221
  
• Competitive Intelligence Division "No-Host" Dinner: 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Mulate's (right by the Convention Center), 201 Julia St. 504-522-1492. Reservation is under the name "Anna."
  

Tell us about your thoughts and experiences about these and other sessions in a comment!

Reflections on SLA Annual - Monday

The CI Division is sponsoring some great sessions today:

• Delving Beyond the Published Record: Market Research & Knowledge Management: 2:00pm - 3:30pm; Convention Center Room R07
• Intelligence Early Warning Systems: Beyond Monitoring: 4:00pm - 5:30pm; Convention Center Room R07

Let us know your thoughts on what you learned from these sessions in a comment. Also, what other sessions are you attending that may enhance a CI practioner's skills? Share your take-aways here.

Reflections on SLA Annual - Sunday

What are your thoughts on the opening keynote session? Pre-conference events? Share your experiences and opinions here in a comment!

SLA 2010: CI Division Spotlight Panels and No-Host Dinner

We have some exciting CI programming coming up at the SLA Annual Conference! Even if you cannot attend live, please remember that the sessions are being recorded and will be covered in the post-conference issue of Intelligence Insights. All sessions will also be covered on Twitter as well.

To that end, we're soliciting your questions for Wednesday's two Spotlight Panels.(See descriptions below.) We can't guarantee we'll answer all of them, but we'll do our best. We have some subjects targeted already, but want to be as interactive as possible. Please send your topics/issues to [email protected] and [email protected].

We would also like to highlight our Tuesday No-Host Dinner -- please send even tentative RSVPs to the contacts above. It's a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues in a more social setting.

06/14/2010 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Convention Center Room R07
Delving Beyond the Published Record: Market Research & Knowledge Management
Info pros are extremely adept at deep-dive secondary research and assembling relevant resources/access, but additional skills would add value to their repertoire and offer major benefits to organizations. Market research capabilities are a dynamic way to uncover new knowledge, while expert knowledge management systems across the enterprise lead to stronger return on investmentfor valuable market research studies as well as other organizational initiatives. This session will focus on both as important value drivers and integral parts of the info pro skill set.
Presenting: Victor Camlek

06/14/2010 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Convention Center Room R07
Intelligence Early Warning Systems: Beyond Monitoring
Recent years have seen CI practitioners increasingly embrace and employ Early Warning Systems (EWS) as a powerful way to generate systematic, continuous, and robust intelligence – as well as on-going effective and value – for their senior managers and organizations. Discuss what this practice means to both intelligence and information services, how to develop early warning systems, and how early warning systems may be used to provide timely advanced insights on developing trends and events, competitive circumstances, and issues important to decision-makers.
Presenting: Ellen Naylor

06/15/2010 7:30am - 9:30am
Convention Center Room R05
Competitive Intelligence Division Business Meeting Breakfast
Annual business meeting of the Competitive Intelligence Division Jan Herring will offer (both tactical and philosophical) advice regarding quantifying the value of CI operations & as well as other topics of interest.
Speaking: Jan Herring, plus information from selected board members

06/15/2010 10:00am -11:30am
Convention Center Room 221
InfoCitizen: Creating and Finding Value in Online Communities
Whether participating in or building an online community (such as Ning, LinkedIn Groups or wikis), competitive intelligence info pros bring unique perspectives and skills to the conversation. They can also derive tremendous value from communities, using them to find experts, make connections, and glean information. In this session, you'll learn from real-life examples of best practices in participating in online communities and come away with tips and ideas to help you get the most out of your work.
Presenting: Scott Brown

06/15/2010 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Convention Center / Local Restaurant – Details to be posted on The Intel Blog and Twitter. Competitive Intelligence Division "No-Host" Dinner

06/16/2010 8:00am - 9:30am
Convention Center La Louisiane Ballroom
SPOTLIGHT SESSION—Ask the Competitive Intelligence Experts Panel
Info pros are increasingly switching to competitive intelligence, since there’s always a demand for market intelligence. Bring your pressing CI questions, concerns and stories to this informal panel. If you have a particular query, share it--many of your SLA peers are probably thinking the same thing. If you’re shy about asking, write your question down and our facilitator will ask it for you. Learn from the experts, but also from each other, as this is about knowledge sharing.
Moderating: Ellen Naylor
Panelists: Arik Johnson, Claudia Clayton, Jan Herring

06/16/2010 10:00am - 11:30am
Convention Center La Louisiane Ballroom
SPOTLIGHT SESSION—Competitive Intelligence Transitions for LIS Professionals
Mission Possible: Join us for a panel discussion about successfully leveraging your skills as an LIS professional in a CI setting. Learn how to accomplish this in your current job or in a new opportunity, either as an in-house info pro or as an outside consultant.
Moderating: Toni Wilson
Panelists: Anna Shallenberger, Jan Herring, Victor Camlek

NOLA Festivals and Activities

While attending the SLA Annual Conference, be sure to make time to enjoy the many activities New Orleans has to offer. The following is a list of festivals and activities for your consideration:

Festivals & Fairs:

• Cajun Heartland State Fair May 27 - June 6, 2010. Lafayette, Cajundome. Giant rides, music, food, petting zoo, special exhibits and demonstrations. (337) 265-2100  Website
• Opelousas Spice and Music Festival May 30, June 5 - 7, 2010, Evangeline Downs Racetrack. Cajun and zydeco music, food, rides, pageant parade. Official site, 1 (337) 948-5227
• 21st Annual Back to the Beach Festival June 4-6, 2010, Kenner, at the lake at the end of Williams Boulevard. Music, food, games, crafts, car show to benefit the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation. 836.7281. Visit the official website here.
• Gheens Bon Mange Festival June 4- 6, 2010, Gheens, Community Center, Louisiana 654. Cajun food, rides, games and a fais do-do. 985.532.5694  
• Festin Blanc Soiree June 5, 2010, French food, art, music, a waiters' race and a best-dressed contests. Vianne's Tea Salon, 544 Gerard St. Mandeville, 985.624.5683  
• New Orleans Oyster Festival, June 5 - 6, 2010 Oyster-eating and -shucking contests, largest oyster contest, oyster dishes from local restaurants, music and an oyster dine-around. 500-600 blocks of Decatur Street, New Orleans, 504.523.2651       
• Church Point Buggy Festival June 5-7, 2010, City Park. Accordion-playing contest, Cajun music, buggy and horse-drawn carriage parade, food, rides and a children's French-speaking contest. (337) 684-2739 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting           (337) 684-2739     Official site.
• Juneteenth Freedom Festival June 11 - 13, 2010, Louisiana Square, downtown Donaldsonville. Family entertainment, concerts, cultural programs, the "Real Men Who Cook Contest," crafts and art displays. (225) 206-1225  museum: (888) 775-7990   
• Great French Market Creole Tomato Festival June 11 - 13, 2010, New Orleans, French Market. Cooking demonstrations, tomato tastings, food and music. Official site 504-522-2621 
• Cajun Day Festival June 12, 2010, St. Rose, American Legion Hall, 12188 River Road. Celebration of Cajun culture with music, dancing, food and family fun. Sponsored by the Cajun French Music Association. Contact Gwen for more information (504) 432-5904  
• Louisiana Seafood Festival June 12 - 13, 2010, New Orleans, Jackson Square and French Quarter locations. Music, cooking demonstrations, tastings, cookbook signings, vendors. Inaugural festival to promote the fishing industry. 525-1117.
• Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival June 12 - 13, 2010, New Orleans, French Market, Food, cooking demonstrations, crafts, art market and music. 504-558-6100 Official site.
• Louisiana Bicycle Festival June 19, 2010, Abita Springs, UCM Museum, 22275 Louisiana 36. Antique bicycle exhibits, bicycle flea market, food, music bike contests. (985) 892-2624  Official site.
• Juneteenth Folklife Celebration June 19, 2010, Opelousas, Farmers Market, U.S. 190 East. African-American historical and cultural celebration with demos, music and crafts. 337.948.9884

Other Activities and Ideas:

• Audubon Nature Institute
• Minor League Baseball Team: Zephyrs
• Mississippi River Boat Rides
• Swamp Boat and Plantation Tours
• Beignets at Café Du Monde

Intelligence Insights: May 2010 Issue

We are delighted to announce that the May 2010 issue of Intelligence Insights, the Bulletin of the Competitive Intelligence Division is available online at the SLA CI Division website. This month, we feature a preview of the CI Division program at the upcoming SLA Annual Conference, as well as other topics of interest to CI Division members:

• Competitive Intelligence is a Word Problem, by Tom Hawes
• The CI Division Mentoring Program - An Experience with Big Payoffs, by Toni Wilson and Vanessa Costa-Massimo
• SLA 2010 Annual Conference Preview: Welcome to "My" New Orleans, by Anna Shallenberger
• SLA 2010 Annual Conference Preview: Delving Beyond the Published Record, by Victor Camlek
• SLA 2010 Annual Conference Preview: "Lagniappe" in Competitive Intelligence
• SLA 2010 Annual Conference Preview: InfoCitizen: Creating and Finding Value in Online Communities, by Scott Brown
• SCIP 2010 Conference Recap, by Judith Walter and Parmelee Eastman

You can find these articles and more at http://www.sla.org/division/dci/Newsletter.htm, where you can download a PDF version of this issue, as well as find past issues. If you experience problems downloading Intelligence Insights, please contact [email protected] and [email protected], so that we can diagnose and resolve any technical issues.
 
We hope you enjoy Insights!

Leveraging Internal Partnerships for Library Success

I was pleasantly surprised to open my January/February 2010 issue of Information Outlook and find an excellent article by CI Division member and Intel Blog editor Jill Heinze on leveraging internal partnerships!

Jill talks about her experience of working with the Brand Communications unit of her company, Affinion Loyalty Group. She was embedded in that group to bring content and context to the company's branding messages.

Jill shares that, ultimately, she not only created new value for the Brand Communications unit - she also gained new visibility, partnerships and roles for herself in the company. While the issue isn't online yet, look for your print copy and be sure to read this excellent article!

Congratulations, Jill!

Scott Brown

Past-Chair, CI Division