The Competitive Intelligence Workbook provides ready-made forms that guide the organization and presentation of information about the competitive business environment (60 forms in 9 sections). Further, information is introduced about where to locate available market data (other books specialize specifically in identifying information sources for researchers). Once information is organized within this book’s re-usable format, useful market analysis can be regularly updated, analyzed, and – most importantly – used for building market advantage.

COMPANION CD

A companion CD is provided with this publication. This CD has been created to make the forms in this book readily usable. Thus, the print copy of the book can be kept intact as a reference text while you ‘use’ the CD copies of each form.

The CD is designed for PC-compatible systems running Windows 95/98/ME/XP. There is no software installation required — all you need is an internet browser on your computer to use the CD — either Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape Navigator 4.0 - or above.

When you access the CD, you will find two types of available material. First, a complete HTML version of the print book can be accessed from the CD (including the introductory text about information sources). Secondly, you will find a usable, interactive version of all forms. The forms can be accessed in HTML (browser), RTF, Word, and Excel.

The CD forms can be used for creating your own presentation-ready forms. These forms can be copied or saved to disk (or your computer’s hard drive, floppy, etc.), edited to input your information (i.e., you can answer the questions on the forms), updated, printed, and/or electronically distributed to people within your firm.

The author, Kim Burkhardt, is an MBA who consults industry clients on competitive research and analysis. The clientele of  Burkhardt Research Services come from U.S. and Canadian sectors that include health care, manufacturing, real estate, chemicals, technology, academia, and government.