Super Searchers on Competitive Intelligence: The Online and Offline Secrets of Top CI Researchers

Citation

Sen, B. (2004), "Super Searchers on Competitive Intelligence: The Online and Offline Secrets of Top CI Researchers", New Library World, Vol. 105 No. 1/2, pp. 87-87. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800410515291

This book is the twelfth in the Super Searchers series. It is as equally enjoyable and easy to read as the others in the series and as usual is packed full of practical advice from experts in the field.

This volume is particularly welcome as it covers an area which is a little neglected by publishers and writers, the area of competitive intelligence (CI).

The foreword is by Jan Herring who has 40 years’ experience in CI. He highlights two problems, which are supported throughout the book. First, the difficulty in defining competitive intelligence in simple terms, which leads to communication problems. Second, the poor utilization of technology. These points alone provide focus for future research and development within the field.

The tried and tested “Super Searchers” formula is used, with each chapter taking the form of an interview. The interviewees are obviously at ease with their subjects, and pour out a wealth of practical tips, techniques and models useful for either the novice or the experienced practitioner. Each chapter concludes with a summary of “Super Searcher Power Tips” – wisdom in bullet points.

Two things struck me when reading this book: the diversity of backgrounds that the practitioners come from business research, industrial engineering, wireless technology, market research, library science, pharmaceuticals, molecular biology, military intelligence, finance and business administration; and the commonality in their determination to succeed, hardworking attitude and enthusiasm for what they do.

As usual with this series, there is a North American focus. I do not find this a disadvantage at all. In the USA, businesses are far more CI savvy than the UK and some other European countries. The value mainly is in the experiences recounted, though a useful source list is appended in a directory, a regularly updated version being available on the Super Searchers Web site at http://www.infotoday. com/supersearchers.

The books in this series are inspirational, and this is no exception. It shows just how diverse, interesting and challenging information work can be. It encourages information professionals to step beyond their traditional roles of information provision and develop their skills and expertise to offer value added services, develop their analytical skills, share in decision support, decision making and the development of strategic priorities in business.

From an educators’ perspective this book will be a valuable addition to a students’ reading list. Theories are shown to have practical value in practice by practitioners. Work placements for CI students can be difficult to find because of the sometimes sensitive and confidential nature of the work. This book offers the next best thing, an insight into the working CI environment.

This is another practical book from CyberAge well worth reading, well worth the money.