Strategic Intelligence

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

Lecturer

Claire Gruslin

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

In today's VUCA environment, managers need to be able to anticipate the future changes that impact their market and fine tune their strategy using more efficiently the data from all stakeholders.
The Strategic Intelligence course intends to train students to elaborate scenarii based on the understanding of the complexity due to muti-dimensional games of multiple actors. 
Students get a understanding of the three essential parts of strategic intelligence: scanning, protection and influence.
Students are guided to scan and analyze data in order to influence the market in favour of the organisation's main objectives.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

After completion of this course, students should be able to:
Main: 

• describe and discuss why strategic intelligence can be considered as a KSF of the a company strategy
• demonstrate a sound knowledge of the three pilars:  scanning, protection and influence

• be able to implement a Strategic Intelligence project for an organisation (particularly in the scanning and influence fields)
• be able to decipher and manage the information manoeuvres that impact the reputation and strategy of companies and their managers

• work harmoniously in group (collaborative work)
• use "problem-based" learning

• IKLO2- gaining the knowledge and understanding of one of the proposed fields of concentration
• IKLO4- acquire the capacity to research autonomously and methodically the information need to solve a complex, transversal management problem
• IKLO7- being capable of professional team work
• IKLO9- develop a crticial sense (arguing)
• IKLO-10: Developing a transversal, global vision 
• IKLO-11: Creative conception of solutions 
• IKLO12- professional capacity for oral communication
• IKLO13- professional capacity for written communication

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

This course is closely linked to the market research and consumer intelligence course. 
 

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The Strategic Intelligence course consists of lectures and article discussions. Contributors from real life companies are regularly invited to provide with their personal experience. It also includes a collaborative work on a specific topic as well as a serious game to be played in group.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

The SI course is a « blended learning » i.e. mixing both class sessions with on line preparations.  Teaching language is English.

Recommended or required readings

Required Readings:

• McDowell D., (2009), Strategic Intelligence, A Handbook for Practitioners, Managers and Users
• Herring, J.P., (1999) Key Intelligence Topics: A Process to Identify and Define Intelligence Needs
• Dupont, B., Security in the age of networks, Policing and society, vol. 14, n°1
• Van Schendelen, R., (2003) Machiavelli in Brussels: The Art of Lobbying the EU, University Press, Amsterdam, 384 pp.
• Dragojlovi¿ P. (1) Lobbying as a method of business communication 

• Sun Tzu, the Art of War
  
• Juillet A., Hassid O., Pellerin M., (2102), Gérer les risques criminels en entreprise: stratégies et comportements pratiques, De Boeck professionals
• François L., Zerbib R. (2016), Influentia:  la référence des stratégies d'influence
• Harbulot C., (2012), Manuel d'intelligence économique:  comprendre la guerre économique,PUF

• there is a list of selected articles to illustrate the concepts:  they are distributed regularly

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment methods:
Exam (individual): 40% All students must complete a test on the content provided in the course platform.
Assignment(individual): 10% - cultural intelligence and the fugle activity
Assignment(group): 50% "War room" - recommend a strategy in an informational crisis situation
Class Participation (individual): +/- 2 Points (Bonus/Malus) Class participation is evaluated not only on the basis of volume or extent of participation, but more importantly on the basis of quality. 
Assessment criteria:

• Understanding of concepts (IKLO-2); 
• Congruent application of  concepts (IKLO-5); 
• Critical attitude (IKLO-9); 
• Analytical mind (IKLO-5, -10); 
• The rigour, concision and depth of the analysis (IKLO-5, -9, -10); 
• The congruence and creativity of the decisions (IKLO-11).

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Students are expected to attend class when they have read the necessary material and have their preparation done.  They should actively participate in class discussions and when there is a guest speaker, be active and raise smart questions.

Contacts

For lecture content, please contact GRUSLIN Claire either by phone +32 4 2327290 or by email Claire.Gruslin@ulg.ac.be 
Please note that her office is located:
Rue St Gilles, 35, 4000 Liège, Bâtiment N2 (3rd floor)