Motivated by the lack of models that can bring a general preparation formula for developing competitive intelligence in Trade Show, the authors researched in a theoretical database to develop a model that can bring a general vision for a company that wants to start to organize the personnel to gather competitive intelligence in trade show events.          Furthermore, was discovered that not many firms do actually realize the opportunities they have to acquire competitive intelligence in trade shows, that way the model was developed to facilitate the process.         The discovering of the research pointed Socialization as well as relationship building and strengthening were the main channels to acquire information. In addition, Trade Shows create a rich environment where most of the stakeholders are present and also willing to share knowledge and information, creating an even more favorable place to develop this kind of intelligence.         The model presented takes in consideration the company’s stakeholder, and how to allocate personnel in booths and in extensive research around the area, it also classifies the visitors and attendees in different groups, facilitating the organizing process to understand and explore more easily and efficiently the Trade Show. The models also suggest approaches to each group in order to don’t invest resources in an ineffective way.

This thesis forms part of a PhD by Publication based on the research and scholarly work of Sheila Wright. It explores her contribution to the field of Competitive Intelligence & Insight Management (CI&IM) made through ten articles published between 2002 and 2010. The research projects that involved the collection of primary data were carried out within a qualitative research methodology using a semi-structured interview or case study method and typically adopting a pragmatic paradigm. Through this work, it has been possible to present a best-practice framework for CI&IM. Similarly, it has been possible to develop an operational framework for CI&IM, which identifies the inter-connectivity of the CI&IM tasks as well as the organisational influencing factors which can aid or hinder successful implementation. As well as engaging in a critical evaluation of current CI&IM practice the thesis indicates how the articles offer solutions which can aid the delivery of improved performance to practitioners as well as academics who teach and research the subject. The thesis also identifies the place of CI&IM in the business discipline and draws attention to the cross-boundary, inter-disciplinary nature of its reach. The development of bibliometric software and citation identification programmes has enabled the inclusion of a citation analysis for each article which also identifies the context within which that citation was made. This is presented as supporting evidence for the contribution to knowledge and value of the body of work. Through this mechanism it has also been possible, not only to identify the frequency with which the articles have been cited, but more importantly, the impact and contribution this has had on scholars who have subsequently used the output and frameworks as a basis for their own research.

O objetivo desta pesquisa é identificar os elementos caracterizadores dos fatores determinantes de custos nas empresas produtoras do setor de eletroeletrônicos no Brasil, utilizando-se exclusivamente informações disponíveis ao público. Além disso, procura-se sistematizar o conhecimento existente sobre determinantes de custos e sugerir o uso das informações públicas como alternativa de busca no processo de análise de custos de concorrentes. Para isso, foram analisadas as informações públicas elencadas de duas empresas do setor de eletroeletrônicos, Whirlpool e Samsung, seguindo um roteiro de elementos caracterizadores dos determinantes de custos conforme a abordagem bibliográfica consultada. Ademais, foram entrevistados profissionais de três empresas do setor, a fim de validar as práticas empreendidas em relação aos elementos caracterizadores dos determinantes de custos identificados. Como resultado tem-se que o roteiro sugerido proporciona análises não conclusivas, mas que indicam tendências, principalmente quando a coleção de dados é realizada visando o longo prazo, mostrando caminhos para a criação de estimativas ou, ainda, para que as informações sejam complementadas com outros mecanismos e fontes de informação. O estudo apresenta um procedimento pioneiro no sentido de ampliar o conhecimento sobre este campo de estudos, ainda incipiente na literatura. Sugere-se a replicação da pesquisa a um maior contingente de empresas, bem como a especificação de um único produto para análise ou a associação deste estudo ao nível de disclosure empreendido pelas empresas brasileiras, uma das características consideradas como diferencial para realização de tais análises. / The objective of this research is to identify the characteristic elements of the cost drivers in producing companies from electronics segment in Brazil, using information available to the public. Moreover, attempts to systematize the existing knowledge on the cost drivers and suggests the use of public information as an alternative in the search process cost analysis of competitors. For such thing, we analyzed information from two public listed companies in the electronics segment, Whirlpool and Samsung, following a script of elements that characterizes the cost drivers as discussed in literature consulted. Furthermore, professionals of three different companies were interviewed in order to validate the practices undertaken in relation to the elements that characterize the cost drivers identified. The research shows that the guideline does not provide conclusive results, however it does show trends, especially when the data collection is carried out for the long term. As matter of fact the results can help us select the appropriate method for elaborating estimations or even, obtain conclusive result by complementing the data with other sources or methods of analysis. The study presents a cutting edge method, cutting edge because it increases the knowledge in this field which still has an incipient literature. Future investigations in this area could use this method with a larger number of companies, and focus on a single product; or a research about the relation between the level of disclosure undertaken by Brazilian companies, one of the features considered as a differential to perform such analysis.

O objetivo desta pesquisa é identificar os elementos caracterizadores dos fatores determinantes de custos nas empresas produtoras do setor de eletroeletrônicos no Brasil, utilizando-se exclusivamente informações disponíveis ao público. Além disso, procura-se sistematizar o conhecimento existente sobre determinantes de custos e sugerir o uso das informações públicas como alternativa de busca no processo de análise de custos de concorrentes. Para isso, foram analisadas as informações públicas elencadas de duas empresas do setor de eletroeletrônicos, Whirlpool e Samsung, seguindo um roteiro de elementos caracterizadores dos determinantes de custos conforme a abordagem bibliográfica consultada. Ademais, foram entrevistados profissionais de três empresas do setor, a fim de validar as práticas empreendidas em relação aos elementos caracterizadores dos determinantes de custos identificados. Como resultado tem-se que o roteiro sugerido proporciona análises não conclusivas, mas que indicam tendências, principalmente quando a coleção de dados é realizada visando o longo prazo, mostrando caminhos para a criação de estimativas ou, ainda, para que as informações sejam complementadas com outros mecanismos e fontes de informação. O estudo apresenta um procedimento pioneiro no sentido de ampliar o conhecimento sobre este campo de estudos, ainda incipiente na literatura. Sugere-se a replicação da pesquisa a um maior contingente de empresas, bem como a especificação de um único produto para análise ou a associação deste estudo ao nível de disclosure empreendido pelas empresas brasileiras, uma das características consideradas como diferencial para realização de tais análises. / The objective of this research is to identify the characteristic elements of the cost drivers in producing companies from electronics segment in Brazil, using information available to the public. Moreover, attempts to systematize the existing knowledge on the cost drivers and suggests the use of public information as an alternative in the search process cost analysis of competitors. For such thing, we analyzed information from two public listed companies in the electronics segment, Whirlpool and Samsung, following a script of elements that characterizes the cost drivers as discussed in literature consulted. Furthermore, professionals of three different companies were interviewed in order to validate the practices undertaken in relation to the elements that characterize the cost drivers identified. The research shows that the guideline does not provide conclusive results, however it does show trends, especially when the data collection is carried out for the long term. As matter of fact the results can help us select the appropriate method for elaborating estimations or even, obtain conclusive result by complementing the data with other sources or methods of analysis. The study presents a cutting edge method, cutting edge because it increases the knowledge in this field which still has an incipient literature. Future investigations in this area could use this method with a larger number of companies, and focus on a single product; or a research about the relation between the level of disclosure undertaken by Brazilian companies, one of the features considered as a differential to perform such analysis.

Competitive intelligence (CI) helps company to make right strategic decision in uncertain competitive environment. Many companies do different kinds of marketing research, but still have not adopted CI tools yet, especially in those countries where they have just started to implement instruments of free market economy. This could be related to Russian situation. The thesis is organized into three chapters. Competitive intelligence theory is explained in the first chapter. In the second chapter tools and techniques of competitive intelligence are discussed. Here the main tools are explained. Implementation of competitive intelligence tools is explained in third chapter of this thesis. Here we see developing new marketing strategy for restaurant chain by using competitive intelligence tools. 'Rosinter Restaurant Holding' is a leading casual dining chain operator in Russia. The main focus is made on 'Planet Sushi' restaurant chain in Omsk region. In this chapter we see implementation of competitive intelligence tools in marketing department while creating new strategy.

This thesis serves as Competitive Intelligence in social networks study for 1.A&B a.s. marketing and advertising company. Thesis is devided ito four parts. First part introduces social network as today's phenomenon, presenting it's definiton, basic characteristics and short introduction to Czech and foreign social networks history. It also compares developement trends and user numbers. Second part is focused on defining the competitive environment of 1.A&B company, identifying its competitors on social networks, presenting their basic information. Social networks chosen for competitive intelligence work are selected using Czech internet popullation impact index. Third part is focused on gathering and then analysing introduced competitors' profiles on social networks using automated tools such as Facebook Graph API or commercial one - Social Bakers online tools. In final part, all gathered and analyzed data are evaluated and reccomendations for 1.A&B company are given.

This Master´s Thesis introduces options of using Comptitive Intelligence to predict future actions of Competitor in Competitive environment.

This thesis focuses on the issue of social networks and its potential use as a tool to boost competitiveness. At first, in the theoretical part, basic terms and definitions, which are strongly related to the issue of social networks, are explained. Then the thesis deals with the business sectors, where social networks can be used. Furthermore, the most used representatives of worldwide social networks are characterized along with their potential use in the business. The theoretical part is completed with the chapter that describes and evaluates analytical tools which are used for monitoring and analysis of social networks. Practical part focuses on the aesthetic centre Marttinéz and its competitors in the sector of hairdressing and beauty salons. Firstly, its actual attitude to the social networks is analyzed and further analysis regarding competing salons is carried out the second analysis should reveal competitors' behaviour in the area of social networks. The main output of the practical part is a set of recommendations regarding optimization of company's sites at social networks and also suggestion on a monitoring system of social networks sites of this aesthetic centre.

This diploma work analyses existing competitive intelligence of the firm. Contains analysis of competitive intelligence awareness and its utilization like competitive advantage in Czech consulting companies. The work includes proposal for competitive intelligence strategy or recommendation and complementation of existing strategy.