Investing in today's economy can be challenging and stressful. Managing a proper investment portfolio requires diligence and research into potential pitfalls or goldmines. In much the same way, corporate security requires the same diligence in providing a secure environment for the potential risks that may befall a company. In order to ensure the best possible results in corporate security programs, intelligence studies provide an effective method of identifying the risk that may cause businesses harm.
Corporate security programs can refer to two distinct groups, one being the actual security program of an organization, but most often the term refers to an area of study at a university or other institute of higher learning. In either case, the concept of corporate security focuses on asset protection and the overall safety and security of the company and its employees. The security program works to properly manage the risk portfolio of the company while allowing the company to remain flexible.
In order to properly assess the risks to a company, both active security officers and students of corporate security need to understand and incorporate intelligence studies during the assessment process. The security team plays an important role in addressing potential problem areas so decision makers have the proper understanding of the presented information and can make decisions accordingly.
Intelligence studies is a concept taken fairly recently from military and national security applications and is now being applied to the business world. Intelligence studies are a way to offer students the ability to take information (gathering or collecting) and filter the unneeded portions to identify only the facts that have importance to the company. The intelligence may be for a specific topic or for general purpose, and the information must be analyzed for importance and then again to see how the intelligence can be used. Recently, the term strategic intelligence has been applied to the collection process where it represents a strategic approach to the intelligence operational cycle.
Without analysis, companies can go into information overload and inundate themselves to a point of reduced effectiveness. The opposite is also true, and without a strategic approach to information collection, needed intelligence is not obtained, leaving an organization vulnerable. Security programs are no different, as inefficient security programs often lead to unnecessary expenses, wasted time and product loss. Intelligence studies help hone the information process, leading to faster and more effective results.
Information can be gathered from any number of sources, many in the same manner as military operations. Because of the very nature of intelligence collection, any school teaching intelligence gathering should also include a class or classes on the ethical, moral and possibly legal ramifications of intelligence gathering. This focus on professionalism keeps intelligence gatherers from violating laws or other issues that may place a company at risk.
Intelligence studies are becoming a focus of attention in academia due to their application in so many factors within the private and public workforce. The ability to understand the intelligence cycle enables precise collection of data and information that can be vital to the development of a product or growth of a company. Universities that offer corporate security programs provide key elements of knowledge to understanding intelligence studies so that existing programs can be enhanced or programs can be created. Without this essential knowledge, companies can spin their wheels addressing issues that might not truly be issues or that could have been addressed more effectively. In short, intelligence studies, when added to a corporate security program, offer a significant return on investment to both students and administrators.
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Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, corporate security programs, intelligence studies, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at http://www.Henley-Putnam.edu
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