Intelligence Analysis: A Target-Centric Approach

For years intelligence analysis has followed a decision-making process that is hierarchical in nature and linear in flow, wherein analysts are insulated from valuable and critical feedback. It's a model that no longer makes sense for today's world. Analysts in all fields work in an environment dramatically changed by technology and greatly impacted by new, politically-charged considerations. A flatter, horizontal, networked solution has proven to be much more effective. In his ground-breaking book, Dr. Robert Clark addresses this crucial shift in focus with clear, straightforward instructions on the advantages of a collaborative, target-centric process that fully attends to the needs of the customer. Designed to give analysts and practitioners state-of-the-art, practical information and skills, Intelligence Analysis guides readers through the art of target modeling and organizational analysis, as well as quantitative and predictive techniques. Intelligence collectors, consumers, and analysts can and should work together to create and share a conceptual model of the intelligence target. Simply put, it's a smarter, more sensible way to collect, synthesize, and utilize intelligence. The author makes extensive use of real-world examples and cases and employs nearly 100 graphic elements to illustrate the versatility and effectiveness of his methodology. A good read, a handy reference source, and a proven toolkit, practitioners in both industry and academia should not miss the opportunity to do intelligence in a more intelligent manner.