Competitive intelligence: A self-diagnostic tool applied in the telecom industry.

Abstract

In collaboration with the University of Ottawa, a toot has been produced to evaluate the Competitive Intelligence Process exercised by a practitioner/team/corporation. Accepted principles of CI (as determined by extensive literature review and consultation with CI experts) have been incorporated into a survey and used to quantify the process as a whole, as well as break down the process into manageable parts and identify specific areas of strength and/or weakness. Face validation of the tool has been demonstrated through its application on four large firms (a sample of convenience) operating in the telecommunications industry. Analysis of strengths and weaknesses of the firm's CI process were highlighted and summarized in a concise report. The capability of the tool for industry characterization was demonstrated, as well as the potential for effective benchmarking against best CI practices. Finally, areas of future focus and development have been highlighted.