Core Capabilities and Methodologies
Open Source Collection, Analysis, and Delivery
We regularly locate and monitor sources others do not find, from both secondary and primary sources of information, so we have greater thoroughness and depth in the intelligence we produce.
We specialize in Human Intelligence of Unusual Depth and Breadth. Our Deep Discovery® process uses intense open ended interviewing and other innovative approaches including recognition of patterns in feedback and interviewee orientation, interrelationship of specific pieces of feedback and information, and intuitive recognition to obtain more in-depth human intelligence and provide better understanding of the basis from which the information flows, factoring out any inherent biases in the information. Our Pattern Analysis ProcessTM interrelates this feedback with behavioral, inferential, and data patterns to build deeper, more reliable analyses giving more accurate recommendations for effective practical action. The results of our work are more complete and accurate, delivering previously unavailable knowledge and insight.
We can create Customized Electronic Status/Knowledge Capture and Tracking Systems that facilitate rapid organization and access of intelligence in the manner most suitable to client requirements, with a dashboard look and feel matched to client usability needs. Intelligence has a short shelf life and can become stale. Upon completion of the initial collection and analysis we can provide continual monitoring and ongoing “refreshed” intelligence that will be available electronically in an easily accessible and organizable format, enabling a continuously updated view of relevant information critical to ongoing requirements. This intelligence can be integrated with other data from any source to create a complete universe of information that can be organized and accessed in a fast and meaningful way. Information can be stored on an online database that can be accessed via the Internet, utilizing open and secure networks as appropriate.
Risk Analysis and Management
Failure to anticipate competitor or adversary surprise; making the right financial investment or technology choice for development; determining the best strategy and tactics for market penetration; choosing the appropriate policy to follow – for every action there is risk – risk in making the wrong decision, risk in developing a flawed strategy, and risk in conducting an imperfect strategy implementation. The element of risk is fundamental and is factored into all our work.
Risk Awareness identifies hidden, overlooked, or ignored risks relative to opportunities and threats that can blindside our clients. We utilize The Four-Layer Predictive Process™, a proven method for analyzing risks inherent in the social, economic, political, and cultural drivers that affect, or are likely to affect, decisions about strategy, tactics, or policy. They come together to create the complete picture needed to make accurate decisions or formulate well-informed policies with the highest probability of success and the lowest potential for failure.
The information thus acquired and analyzed becomes central to the strategy and tactics of Risk Management, the goal of which is to carry out a desired plan of action in a way that avoids or mitigates risks. We prepare a breakout analysis of the factors that contribute to the risks we have identified, and determine their patterns and causes. We then recommend strategies and actions that can be taken to manage programs and processes to eliminate or mitigate those risk factors and their causes to increase the probability of success.
Technology Intelligence
Technology Intelligence supports improved competitiveness and prevents surprise. In today’s environment, while the need to utilize and advance the right technologies has never been more important, you cannot afford to make costly technology adoption or investment mistakes. Based on agreed upon criteria and metrics, we use open source techniques that focus inside and outside the client’s usual area of focus, as well as utilize traditional domain experts and, more importantly, non-traditional sources to locate and assess the current state of the art of emerging and existing technologies of critical importance. We match the information to a client’s product and mission requirements and Concept of Operations.
We look globally, think expansively, and look for emerging and disruptive game changers, as well as combinations of technologies that provide unexpected opportunities or potential threats. Technologies can be comparatively ranked in a consistent and objective manner. Future opportunities and competitive threats are characterized and potential strategic partners and potential competitors are identified.
Based on the initial characterization we can identify and recommend possible actions necessary to accelerate technology development, and determine the cost-benefit of potential investments or acquisitions, creation of strategic alliances, and other initiatives against desired results. We create implementation and investment roadmaps with targets for expected results and “off-ramps” should goals not be met.