Almost two decades after it emerged as an essential business tool, competitive intelligence is still finding its way. Despite its recognized importance, companies struggle to acquire the kind of intelligence they need and measure its effectiveness and value. This book provides essential tools for selecting the right kind of CI and assessing its contributions to a company's financial performance.

The authors identify three fundamental, intertwined mistakes a company can make, showing how to evaluate them and repair the damage they may have done. McGonagle and Vella dissect the...

Written for planning professionals in corporations and the nonprofit sector, this book addresses the need for adequate competitive intelligence. Types of corporate planning are examined and practical, detailed advice on using CI techniques to make planning more effective are offered. The book begins with an overview of CI and business planning, subsequent chapters address procedures involved in using CI. Each chapter includes a list of key references. The book concludes with a glossary of terms and four appendixes that deal with the CI process as a whole. "Business Information Alert"...