Strategic Competitive Intelligence in Practice: An MBA Lecture at the University of Bucharest
From December 12 to 14, Rainer Michaeli, Director of the Institute for Competitive Intelligence, delivered an intensive lecture on Strategic Competitive Intelligence at the University of Bucharest. The course was part of the international MBA program Master in Business Intelligence and marked Michaeli’s fourth lecture within the program. He has been involved since its launch in 2022 as a member of the initial faculty.
The lecture brought together an international cohort of postgraduate MBA students, most of them professionals in the early to mid-career stages, representing a wide range of industries and cultural backgrounds.
An Intensive, Real-World Intelligence Challenge
The three-day course was designed as a hands-on intelligence sprint. Working in teams, students completed a full competitive intelligence cycle—from defining intelligence requirements to research, analysis, and final reporting.
The core assignment simulated a strategic investment decision involving several start-ups aiming to create a new market. This challenging scenario required students to apply competitive intelligence frameworks, evaluate uncertain information, and translate insights into actionable strategic recommendations under time pressure.
Strategy, BI, AI – and Teamwork
A key focus of the lecture was the integration of strategic thinking, Business Intelligence tools, and AI-based methods. Students explored how AI can accelerate research and support insight generation, while maintaining the central role of human judgment in strategic decision-making.
Beyond analytical skills, the course emphasized collaboration, communication, and critical discussion. Students worked intensively with peers they had only just met, reflecting real project environments where intelligence work depends as much on teamwork and clarity as on data and tools.
Reflecting on the experience, Rainer Michaeli noted:
“I enjoyed the many very good questions and discussions – always a pleasure to work with smart and ambitious students!”
A Continued Contribution to the Program
As a long-standing faculty member, Michaeli’s ongoing involvement highlights the program’s commitment to practical relevance and strategic depth. The December lecture once again demonstrated the importance of Strategic Competitive Intelligence as a core capability for future business leaders operating in complex and competitive environments.
