Competitive intelligence practices in South African telecommunication companies
Date
2015-05-21
Authors
Naidoo, Aveshin
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Due to the pressures of recession, increases in unemployment and an uncertain
economic future, business leaders are faced with huge challenges. They are
met with fierce competition in the markets in which they operate as companies
compete more aggressively for market share.
Competitive Intelligence (CI) refers to actionable information and analysis about
your competitors and your industry. Having sound, evidence-based intelligence
enables business leaders to more effectively deal with competition.
A CI program which involves collecting and analysing raw data and information
to form actionable intelligence is fundamental to any business. Research shows
however that CI is not being used with significant effect in most South African
industries.
This research explores the use of CI in the Telecommunications Industry of
South Africa. A qualitative study using in-depth interviews was done to
determine the CI process that is adopted by the major players in this industry.
The degree of business leader involvement was also assessed.
In order for CI to be effective it must be managed within a specific framework
known specifically as the ‘intelligence cycle’. This study shows that companies
within the research sample do not make use of such a framework. It also
highlights the importance and pivotal role that business leaders play in having a
good CI program.
Companies dedicate resources to understanding what competitors are doing
and make strategic decisions based on this information. Therefore the CI
program that is adopted should have full support from business leaders and be
managed within a framework that allows for the production of reliable
intelligence
Description
MBA 2014
Keywords
Business intelligence,Decision making, Strategic planning, Telecommunication