Structure of the CCS Program

The CCS program (Certificate in Competitive Intelligence Management) consists of six modules structured into two progressive phases:

Phase 1 - Interactive Learning

The first phase focuses on live instruction with experienced faculty. You can flexibly choose whether to participate on-site or remotely - according to your needs. This phase provides you with the methodological and strategic foundation of Competitive Intelligence Management.

Phase 2 - Application and Advancement

In the second phase, you put your knowledge into practice through hands-on projects. You'll tackle real-world challenges and develop solutions independently. This phase offers the flexibility to advance at your own pace while accommodating your professional commitments.

Orientation Module - Introduction and Networking

Get acquainted with ICI's digital learning environment and connect with other participants. This introductory module establishes the organizational and communication foundation for your education. It supports you in getting an optimal start in the program.

Module 1: Analysis of Competitor Strategies (ICI-21)

A solid understanding of your competitors’ strategy is a must-have for any business strategist or product manager. This workshop introduces a proven strategy re-engineering approach. Once implemented in your competitor monitoring process, it will become the core element for understanding past competitor activities and predicting future activities.

Module 2: Business War Gaming Techniques (ICI-30)

War Games are artfully-designed simulations of a specific competitive situation. Teams of colleagues will act-out these engagements under the supervision and guidance of a jury and a facilitator. War Games can be a unique source of inspiration and insight, especially when it comes to assessing and predicting competitor behaviors, strengths and weaknesses.

During this workshop, you’ll be exposed to several War Game formats. Experience hands-on War Game assignments, which will enable you to identify the optimal War Gaming approach for your business challenges.

Module 3: Strategic Market Analysis & Intelligence (ICI-31)

How do markets evolve over time? What are the critical factors impacting market volume and potential? Where can you find relevant information that will help you to build a market model and provide inputs for your calculations?

In this workshop, you’ll tackle a real-life business case study in order to provide answers to these challenging questions!

Module 4: Development of Dynamic Corporate Strategies (ICI-33)

What does it take to develop successful dynamic strategies for businesses and products? This workshop reviews contemporary strategy development frames and guides you through the steps to design your own strategy development process. Various CI approaches that are taught in other ICI modules are called upon in this workshop. Your final challenge on this program is to develop a competitive strategy - here you can combine your comprehensive knowledge and skillful application of methodologies!

Module 5: Application Projects: Putting Knowledge to Work
Through two individually mentored projects, you'll apply your skills to real challenges within your industry or organization. This project phase is built for flexibility, enabling you to balance professional responsibilities with your educational goals. The objective is to deploy intelligence effectively in actual competitive scenarios.

Module 6: Final Examination
 You'll cap off the program by demonstrating your expertise in a written online exam. The remotely proctored exam assesses your mastery across the full program curriculum -- from hands-on methods to strategic applications.

Aimed at

• • Competitive/Market Intelligence Analysts and Managers
  • Industrial Market Researchers
  • Management/Strategy Consultants
  • Product/Service Managers
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Heads of business units

Your support team

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.