Spring 2012 Professional Development Catalog (PDF File, 1.8MB)
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Our Intelligence Studies programs are affiliated with the International Association for Intelligence Education, the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (University and Agency Partnership Initiative), and the Homeland Security Defense Education Consortium.
The Finn Center Office of Professional Development offers:
- Certificate in Competitive (Business) Intelligence
Competitive Intelligence in a Global Economy
Forecasting/Futures
Research and Business Decision Making for Competitive Intelligence
Analytical Techniques for Business Intelligence
- Certificate in Intelligence Analysis
Introduction to Intelligence Analysis
Research and Analysis
Strategic Intelligence
Terrorism
Students in either certificate program may transfer any and all completed coursework (a grade of B or better is required) to the Bachelors Intelligence & Research Program in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a B.A. in American History with an emphasis in Intelligence Analysis & Research. Please contact Dr. Greg Moore, Chair, Department of History & Political Science, Notre Dame College, for more details on the process and other requirements.
Certificate in Competitive (Business) Intelligence
Program Description:
The Certificate in Competitive Intelligence, offered by the Center for Intelligence Studies at Notre Dame College, is cutting edge. Just as Notre Dame College was the first institution of higher learning in Ohio to offer a certificate in intelligence analysis for national security, the College is meeting the challenge of helping today's business leaders to make informed decisions. Today's global market has changed the landscape for many business and marketing professionals. The need to understand the competition, changing trends, and economic, cultural, and political conditions worldwide makes the ability to gather information in an ethical manner essential. Equally important is the capability to analyze and present the information in a manner that can help decision makers understand the issues and challenges that exist in today's increasingly competitive world.
BENEFITS:
The opportunity to learn about the latest developments in information gathering, analysis, and dissemination in a certificate program that can be completed in less than a year.
SKILLS:
Students can acquire relevant and practical skills for business and marketing analysis. Account representatives, financial analysts, marketing analysts, and sales representatives can all benefit from the skills learned through this certificate program. Students will develop skills in research, analysis, writing, and executive briefings.
QUALITY AND CONVENIENCE:
Offered by an accredited institution of higher learning, the Certificate in Competitive (Business) Intelligence is taught by experienced competitive intelligence professionals through the convenience of online learning. This is a practical, timely, flexible, and cost effective program.
GROWTH POTENTIAL:
A fast track program that can enhance a credential and qualify an individual for one of the fastest growing career opportunities in today’s global economy.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
Employment opportunities exist with large and small corporations, both national and international. There is an increasing need for research, analysis, and predictions regarding future competition.
Competitive Intelligence in a Global Economy
Market research has existed in the corporate world for many decades as a tool for guiding business strategy decisions. In the hyper-competitive global marketplace, the corporate world finds itself battling for survival. Business or competitive intelligence (CI) is a key focal point for executive decision makers. This course provides a solid foundation in business/ competitive intelligence by exploring the information gathering and analysis process. Ethical behaviors associated with information gathering, the U.S. Economic Espionage Act of 1966, information management and reporting techniques for establishing an internal business/competitive intelligence function, are covered.
Continuing Ed. Credit: 40 contact hours
Continuing Ed. Course #: INT1001
Forecasting/Futures
The aim of this course is to provide participants with tools and practical applications for monitoring and forecasting competitors' actions and future business environments. The objective is to supply a solid background for strategic analysis methodologies and to introduce a path of systematic learning through the organization of the competitive intelligence.
Continuing Ed. Credit: 40 contact hours
Continuing Ed. Course #: INT1006
Research and Business Decision Making for Competitive Intelligence
This course highlights and develops capabilities in the secondary and primary collection and research techniques of most benefit to the CI Analyst. The primary techniques include elicitation (bracketing, denial, open ended questions, etc.) and interviewing, skills, both by phone and in person. Secondary research techniques and sources are also included in this course from identifying the best sources for specific types of requirements either in online proprietary sources (Dow Jones/Factiva, Datamonitor, Dun and Bradstreet, Lexis-Nexis, etc.) that require purchasing access or reports as well as web-based (EDGAR, news feeds) and Internet sites including the search engines. (Google, AskJeeves, etc.) In addition, the ethical considerations with each of the types of research as well as general situations competitive intelligence professionals face daily in dealing with sensitive and often times, proprietary information.
Continuing Ed. Credit: 40 contact hours
Continuing Ed. Course #: MGT1007
Analytical Techniques for Business Intelligence
Many organizations are striving to uncover opportunities to enhancing income, improve competitive positioning, expand market share, and enact effective change. A highly effective Business Intelligence operation can be an important catalyst in addressing certain of these issues. This course will focus on varying methodologies, tools and practices such as Porter's Five Forces, SWOT and Financial Analysis needed to undertake this crucial analytical phase. Program will review important conceptual underpinnings, with specific emphasis being placed on practical approach, developing the human network, and application of qualitative evaluation. Particularly prominent is how analysis is used in the fact-based, decision-making process. Curriculum will also highlight differences and overlap
Continuing Ed. Credit: 40 contact hours
Continuing Ed. Course #: MGT1008
Certificate in Intelligence Analysis
Program Description:
Today you can prepare for challenging and rewarding careers that can help make the nation and world more secure through the Certificate in Intelligence Analysis offered by the Center for Intelligence Studies at Notre Dame College. Now, more than ever, skilled intelligence analysts are needed to assess and manage information dealing with critical issues such as international terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, climate change, organized crime, immigration, or the spread of infectious diseases. By preparing assessments based on the collection, correlation and analysis of intelligence data, analysts manage and provide critical information for use by planners and decision makers.
BENEFITS:
From courses taught by experienced intelligence professionals, students learn relevant, useful skills. Courses can be completed over an 8 week period and students receive quality instruction from a reputable institution of higher learning.
SKILLS:
Effective writing and briefing skills, research methodologies, computer skills, understanding of the intelligence cycle, production of professional analytic reports, and effective communication of information to decision or policy makers.
QUALI TY AND CONVENIENCE:
Students will gain the knowledge and basic skills to work as analysts in national security, law enforcement, and the private sector. Instructors are current or retired intelligence professionals with extensive experience as intelligence professionals. Offered by an accredited institution of higher learning, the certificate can be earned in less than one year through the convenience of online course offerings.
GROWTH POTENTIAL:
Notre Dame College’s Certificate in Intelligence Analysis is a valuable complement to a degree in criminal justice, political science, history, sociology, psychology, international relations, and public administration. Analysts work around the world for government and law enforcement agencies as well as private corporations
JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
Employment opportunities exist in the federal government, law enforcement, and the private sector. The need for analysts has increased dramatically, and there is a demand for persons with good communications and critical thinking skills.
Introduction to Intelligence Analysis
This course provides and introduction to the field of intelligence and national security. We will examine the history and development of United States intelligence and members of the intelligence community. Specific topics include the intelligence cycle, the relationship between intelligence professionals and policy makers, the restructuring of the U.S. intelligence community, oversight and accountability, and covert action as a policy option. The moral and ethical implications of intelligence practices will also be discussed.
Continuing Ed. Credit: 40 contact hours
Continuing Ed. Course #: INT1000
Research and Analysis
This course seeks to develop in students the skills and abilities necessary for conducting basic intelligence analysis. A variety of exercises and practical applications are used to foster critical thinking skills, the planning and coordination of data collection from a variety of sources, and the use of analytic tools in establishing connections between people, places, events and other entities. Students are exposed to a computer software program that visually depicts complex relationships.
Continuing Ed. Credit: 40 contact hours
Continuing Ed. Course #: INT1002
Strategic Intelligence
Strategic intelligence (STRATINT) pertains to the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence that is required for forming policy and military plans at the national and international level. This course will introduce the student to how the US government and others develop and use strategic intelligence, the difficulties involved, methodologies and numerous case studies both written and available via video that will analyze successes and failures related to the discipline.
Continuing Ed. Credit: 40 contact hours
Continuing Ed. Course #: INT1007
Terrorism
Terrorism as a form of political violence has taken "center stage" around the world and constitutes a significant threat to the security of all nations. This course examines the nature and extent of international terrorism and focuses on the mechanisms used by governments and their security agencies to detect and prevent acts of terrorism. The role of intelligence in law enforcement and national security anti-terrorist efforts is examined in the context of current affairs. Selected case studies will address the motives, tactics, and financing of terrorist groups operating today.
Continuing Ed. Credit: 40 contact hours
Continuing Ed. Course #: INT1004
HOW TO APPLY
1. Complete the admissions application online.
2. If applying to the Intelligence Analysis program then submit one of the following:
Official transcript showing proof of an associate’s degree
OR
Proof of graduation from an accredited law enforcement training academy
If applying to the Competitive (Business) Intelligence program then submit an official transcript showing proof of completion of a bachelor’s degree.
3. Submit a current, original, professional writing sample that is 1-2 pages in length (examples include a professional report, research paper, lesson plan, etc.) that demonstrates your writing ability via mail, fax, or email
All application materials may be sent via mail, email, or fax to:
Mail: Office of Professional Development Programs
4545 College Road Regina-Hall Rm 107 Cleveland, OH 44121
Email: kjennings@ndc.edu
Fax: 216.916.4176
All applicants must complete the steps listed above to be considered for admission.
4. Complete an interview (phone interviews are acceptable) with the Finn Center Office of Professional Development. Upon receipt of all materials for your file we will contact you to schedule.
If you have questions about the application process or our programs, please contact Keya Jennings at Kjennings@ndc.eduor 216.373.5219
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
Register and pay for your classes online at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/ndccpd
The pay online option accepts electronic payments from a checking or savings account free of charge. If using a Debit Card, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card then please note there is a 2.75% fee.
For more information about CashNet read our Frequently Asked Questions (PDF File, 36KB)
OR
Complete the course registration form and mail your check made payable to Notre Dame College to: Office of Professional Development Programs, Notre Dame College, 4545 College Road Regina Hall-Rm 107, Cleveland, OH 44121
