Strategic Intelligence (Hardcover)  | Released: 2010

Strategic Intelligence: A Handbook for Practitioners, Managers, and Users is a primer for analysts involved in conducting strategic intelligence research. Don McDowell begins with an overview of strategic intelligence and analysis its functions and its outcomes. He then outlines a proven methodological approach for planning and implementing a strategic research project for any setting. Strategic Intelligence explains in detail the steps involved in strategic analysis and includes examples, guidelines, and standards to further illustrate the process. Each step corresponds with a chapter in the book, describing the appropriate doctrine and/or theory, as well as applications of the theory, and practical hints for its implementation. Additionally, holistic and creative thinking about the problem is stressed in order to avoid narrow, biased analysis.Table of Contents: Preface Acknowledgments PART I: General Concepts 1 Using Strategic Intelligence Organization and Focus of This Book Background on Strategic Intelligence and Analysis Approaches and Processes The Future Use of Strategic Intelligence 2 Strategic Intelligence: Role, Definitions, and Concepts Basic Concepts about Intelligence The Strategic Intelligence Process The Role of Strategic Intelligence and Its Impact on Management Conclusion PART II: Critical Observations 3 Overview of the Implementation and Impact of Strategic Intelligence History of the Early Years Progress in the 1990s and Beyond Current Situation: Challenges for the Profession Problems for Analysts Summary of Observations Conclusion 4 The Case for Establishing a National Strategic Intelligence Apparatus Concepts, Application, and Management Development and Application of Strategic Intelligence Management and Resource Requirement One Future Approach: A National Strategic Crime Intelligence Unit Requirements of a Separate National Strategic Intelligence Service Conclusion PART III: Issues for Clients and Managers 5 Why Managers and Executives Need Strategic Analysis: The Law Enforcement Model Enforcement and Strategic Intelligence Strategic Analysis Input to Policy Making Implementing Strategic Intelligence Programs Challenges for the Executive to Accept Strategic Intelligence Conclusion 6 Management Models and Behaviour: Impact on Intelligence Intelligence as the Servant of the Executive Historical Perspective on Management Style Contemporary Management Approaches The Present Situation Blending Analytical Support and Management Thinking 7 Management and Self-Management of Strategic Projects and Processes The Role of Intelligence Management Issues and Principles Managing Strategic Intelligence Projects Strategic Analysts and Self-Management Conclusion PART IV: Processes and Techniques 8 Developing Concepts: Understanding the Topic Processes and Techniques for Strategic Intelligence Conceptual Frameworks Identifying the Features of a Strategic Topic How to Develop the Conceptual Model Conclusion 9 Defining the Task: Prescribing the Boundaries of the Project Assessing the Scope of the Assignment Developing the Terms of Reference Additional Aspects of the Problem Definition Phase Conclusion 10 Strategic Project Work Plans Structuring a Strategic Project Work Plan Designing and Presenting Work Plans Conclusion 11 Generating Hypotheses Hypotheses: Basic Concepts Techniques for Generating Hypotheses Using Hypotheses Conclusion 12 Developing Indicators for Strategic Topics What are Strategic Indicators? A Process for Developing Indicators Conclusion 13 Data Collection Plans for Strategic Projects The Information Imperative Sources of Information Planning the Collection Activity Strategic Research and Its Impact on Intelligence Collection Planning Conclusion 14 Collation and Evaluation of Data Collation Principles and Practice The Evaluation Process in Strategic Intelligence Conclusion 15 Deciding on Analytical Approaches Preparation for Analysis Resources for Analysis Approaches to Intelligence Problem Solving Analytical Approaches to Specific Problem Issues Probability Theory: A Brief Comment Conclusion 16 Developing Strategic Reports General Concepts and Preparation Presentation and Format Finalizing the Report for Distribution Conclusion PART V: The Analyst 17 The Role, Responsibilities, and Functions of the Analyst The Analyst's Role and Function The Analyst's Responsibilities Special Challenges for the Analyst Conclusion Final Thought Further Reading in Intelligence Analysis