Defines and discusses competitive intelligence for business decision making and suggests the use of online databases to start looking for relevant information. The best databases to use are described, designing the search strategy is explained, reviewing and editing results are discussed, and the presentation of results is considered. (LRW)

This article concentrates on the use of online searching to provide information needed by business for strategy formulation. The following steps are explained: environment analysis (structural analysis, trend analysis); business analysis; strategy formulation; strategic anticipation; strategic plan formalization; and implementation and control.…

Describes databases frequently used in Business Information Center, Cummins Engine Company (Columbus, Indiana): Dun and Bradstreet Business Information Report System, Newsearch, Dun and Bradstreet Market Identifiers, Trade and Industry Index, PTS PROMT, Bureau of Labor Statistics files, ABI/INFORM, Magazine Index, NEXIS, Dow Jones News/Retrieval.…

This second installment describes databases irregularly searched in the Business Information Center, Cummins Engine Company (Columbus, Indiana). Highlights include typical research topics (happenings among similar manufacturers); government topics (Department of Defense contracts); market and industry topics; corporate intelligence; and personnel,…

Describes push technology as a new type of selective dissemination via the Internet and discusses filtering, channels of information, Web browser interfaces, data transfer, the role of databases, and database technology. A list of companies that provide push technology is included. (LRW)

Identifies and describes databases which cover business practice, policy, and principle; government activity; popular interest; and scientific, scholarly, or technical developments and specific information on products, services, and business lines, industries, companies, individuals, and geographic places. Nineteen figures illustrate sample…

Provides generic guidelines covering the basic issues of database building within an organization. The areas discussed include assessing organizational needs, selecting and testing hardware and software, estimating costs, and creating and maintaining the database. A check list of important considerations and a list of additional readings are…

The World Wide Web can provide direct market research data inexpensively or can target the appropriate professional online database and narrow the search. This article discusses the Web presence of research and investment firms, financial pages, trade associations, and electronic publications containing market research data. It lists Uniform…