Structure of the CCIA Program

The CCIA program comprises 6 modules designed to build an expert knowledge in competitive intelligence analysis.

Orientation Module
Familiarize yourself with ICI’s online campus and meet your peers.

Module 1: Financial Analysis Fundamentals for Competitive / Market Intelligence Professionals 

Financial analysis provides invaluable insight in a competitor’s past performance as well as potential future strategy execution. Learn to analyze financial statements from an outside-in perspective. A financial simulation of the future financial situation of your competitors will shed light on strength, weaknesses, and potential strategic moves.

Module 2: Strategic Foresight Through Scenario Mapping 

Generate strategic foresight with the powerful, universally employable scenario analysis approach. This methodology will allow your company to assess the future of your industry, potential technological advancements, and competitor landscapes. You’ll learn how to choose alternative scenario approaches, hence allowing you to artfully develop appropriate scenarios.

Module 3: Strategic Foresight with Early Warning Systems 

Fed up by being surprised by competitor activities, technologies, and industry trends? This workshop will help you to set up an agile early warning system for defense and attack! You’ll master scanning of weak signals and how to motivate peers to become part of your company’s early warning system.

Module 4: Intelligence Mind Traps and Cognitive Biases 

Beyond the skillful application of analytical frames, you need to avoid the many intelligence analysis traps, sometimes referred to as cognitive biases. Learn how to set up quality processes for your analysis work to ensure meaningful intelligence. Use critical thinking approaches to increase both the quality and impact of your findings. Furthermore, this workshop will help you to communicate more efficiently with your intelligence audience!

Module 5 Projects

A critical element of the CCIA program is the learning application. Work on two supervised projects that address real-world challenges in your organization or industry context. You can balance your work commitments with the workload of this module

Module 6 Final Exam
Demonstrate your mastery of CI concepts through a written exam.

Benefits

• Earn a University Certificate of Advanced Studies degree including 10 credit points (CP) according to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
• Our comprehensive and proven blended learning concept consists of in-class trainings and supervised on-line modules. Your learning success as well as our educational quality are our priorities.
• Profound competitive intelligence education.
• Learn to master the strategic foresight tools “scenario planning” and “early warning”.
• Analyze financial statements with respect of your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses.
• Avoid intelligence blunders and erroneous analysis results by implementing quality processes and critical thinking frames.
• You’ll develop a new analytical mindset. Overviews of further analytical frames and intense class discussions with your peers will broaden your knowledge beyond the agenda of this program.
• The CCIA counts towards ICI’s flagship program “Certificate of Proficiency in Competitive Intelligence (CPCI)”.
• ICI’s Certificate Alumni receive discounts to further certificates and ICI’s conferences.

Aimed at

• Competitive/Market Analysts and Managers
• Market Researchers
• Strategic Foresight Analysts
• Assistants to CEOs and Heads of Business Units
• Management Consultants
• Product/Service Managers

Your support team

Enjoy a personalized, people-based learning experience that will make you feel supported at every step of your journey with the ICI.

• Your faculty will guide you through any content-related challenges.
• A dedicated helpline will support you with administrative steps, from application to receipt of your printed certificate upon completion of the program.
• One-on-one support is available during working hours (9am–5pm CET) to help resolve any technical issues.

Application Procedure

Places on our program are limited and are allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you submit your completed application form as early as possible, preferably six weeks before the program start date. The Admissions Committee will review your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about which program is most suited to your objectives or if you need any additional information.

About the Institute for Competitive Intelligence (ICI)

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Germany, ICI is a leading, independent institution dedicated exclusively to competitive/market intelligence education. With an international expert faculty, ICI provides world-class programs designed for working professionals from over 100 countries. Most participants work in B2B industries and generally have at least 10 years of professional experience. ICI’s proprietary programs guarantee a learning experience that is of superior quality, intimate and personalized for CI professionals. All programs are seamlessly interconnected, offering opportunities for you to continue your learning journey.