Aleksi Grym, Director, Products & Services at Global Intelligence Alliance shares his thoughts with us.

What do you see as the key benefit of dashboards for market intelligence professionals?

“There is so much information out there nowadays that it puts the onus on market intelligence teams to get access to up-to-date news, data, tables and charts quickly, shortlist them and push out the right intelligence for different parts of their business.

Today, many large international organizations use business dashboards to track key indicators and market signals. Dashboards can give businesses almost instantaneous visibility into how they are performing. You can say that they are used to filter the most important information that is needed on a regular basis to the top, so informed decisions can be made.

Practically speaking, dashboards are a great way to combine information from many sources into one view. In Plaza 7 you can have both shared dashboards, which an administrator can assign to a group of users, or you can create your own personal dashboard.”

Tell us a little more about Intelligence Plaza 7.

“GIA’s Intelligence Plaza is a software solution for managing a company’s market and competitive intelligence process.

Being like a “market intelligence engine” which handles both the inflow and outflow of information about markets and competitors through its web user interface, we wanted Plaza 7 to offer a user-friendly dashboard that internal clients throughout the entire company will find easy to navigate.

While dashboards have been around for a while, in the area of business intelligence, there are not many market intelligence dashboards on the market. Plaza 7 addresses this gap and provides an easy-to-use dashboard for data about the external business environment. So instead of looking at your own sales data, you can get an overview of competitor market shares, industry trends, and latest market developments.”

Can you demonstrate how this works please?

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“In essence, a dashboard is made up of content parts. Each content part is a box where you can show different information. The best way to use a dashboard is to dedicate it for a specific function or perhaps a special topic. In our example, a fictional company called ACME has three different dashboards. The default dashboard is called “Market overview”. It collects data from various data sources and shows them in multiple content parts. In one view, you can get a good understanding of the market landscape.”

 

ACME also has a dashboard for a special topic that is important for the company: iPad. On this dashboard, there is a content part that uses the “saved search” functionality of Plaza to collect content related to iPad from various modules. There’s also a video coming from an external source, in this case YouTube. In the bottom corner, there is an RSS feed.

These are some examples of the out-of-the-box content parts in Plaza 7, but it’s also possible to create completely customized content parts for specific needs. By focusing on dashboards and content parts, instead of building entire new web applications, customization work becomes significantly less expensive.”

What is the process of setting Intelligence Plaza 7 in general?

“The set-up project starts with needs analysis and specifications. This is a critical step since you don’t want to spend money implementing a system that doesn’t meet your requirements. Since GIA has already done this type set-up work with over 100 companies worldwide, we have good tools and templates to make this part of the project efficient and productive.

After about two weeks, it’s already possible to launch what we call a pilot project. During the pilot project, work is done with a smaller group called “pilot users” who help in optimizing the system by test-using and giving feedback. The administrators of the system are also trained during the pilot project. The pilot usually lasts for about two to three months, after which the service can be launched to the entire target group that typically consists of 100-500 users, but can be scaled to the entire organization.

Once Plaza 7 with several content modules is set up, users can immediately create dashboards using a simple drag-and-drop editing tool. Administrators can also set up information feeds that can then be shown on users’ dashboards.”

 

Author: Hans Hedin, Vice President, Business Development, Global Intelligence Alliance

This article and others from GIA’s World Class Market Intelligence practice can be found at Global Intelligence Alliance Insights and Analysis

More Competitive Intelligence Articles

Question by Deyanira: How does this sound?Please read?
How does this sound?Please read?
During my life, I’ve tried to engage in productive activities, being involved in the child care department, and education program has greatly humbled me and given me a clearer direction for the future. I would like to be apart of the upward bound program because it would open doors to new opportunities to grow, learn and be involved in cultural activities, It would also give me a chance to experience and explore the benefits of attending college in which are to expand knowledge ,and grown as a person. It would be an advantage on grad school also in the working field .Being apart of the upward bound program may help me become a better leader and person with high moral standards and, plenty of confidence.
There are many answers to the question who a person is ,or what makes each of us unique beyond genetics or DNA.So who am I ?I am shy but I tend to break the shell ,as I get to know people .I am competitive ambitious , random ,and organized .I have inquisitive adventurous spirit .I don’t like to be confined by strict rules or limitations on my freedom .I become frustrated with people who are less motivated than I am or who fail to accomplish what they say they will .I am driven ,daring ,and enjoy determining new concepts that fit into existing theories. I am unique. I am Shaellah Robinson.
Two people who has greatly influenced me in my growth and development would m=be my mother Renee Robinson-Ash ,and my friend Chelsea Oglesby .My mother has helped me through out life’s obstacles .She has taught me the benefits of having a brain and using it, “One thing you’ll always have that will help you is your intelligence”. My friend Chelsea has also has a impact on my life .She has help me become aware of college .If it weren’t for her I would not be aware of how much high school performance means to college. Chelsea has given me hope, and now I am more prepared for the future.
There are many definitions of education; around the world education has different meaning some of which are to get a higher level of education, to enter a higher rank, or to be someone. As for me education is more than just learning in school .Its a new perspective and growth on life. Education is express through books, poetry, etc . . . . It’s a door to opportunities .Education is a gift and not just a gift some of us receive, but it’s a gift that is given to everyone. An education is the ability to, learn, help, ad teach. Education is important because without it we can not progress in life. I believe my education also shapes my personality and gives me courage. It’s a piece of hope that I can achieve and hold onto for the rest of my life.
My future goals after High School is to attend ( ) and double major in Law and English. These are both passions of mines that I plan on pursuing throughout my career .Law is something I feel as I can make a difference by keeping equality and fairness. Law has made a difference in society today as a whole. English on the other hand is my niche that I’ve found a good outlet to express myself .I also home to inspire other teens in my life time to make a difference, because we are the future. I hope to start a nation wide College Awareness program I don’t believe our generation is being aware about college. Many teens are unaware of college and the principles that go with it. In English class we were asked “What college we would like to attend? and what we would like to major in?”. Many of the student were not aware of the different colleges ,and majors that one can study .My standards are set high and my dreams big , but with hard work and perseverance I can accomplish all of my goals.

its not yet finnished

Best answer:

Answer by ALIAS:ko
Did you mean what can we say about what you wrote about yourself?

I think what you’ve written makes you really promising.

Good luck in accomplishing your ambition, whatever it may be.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Question by Deyanira: How does this sound?Please read?
During my life, I’ve tried to engage in productive activities, being involved in the child care department, and education program has greatly humbled me and given me a clearer direction for the future. I would like to be apart of the upward bound program because it would open doors to new opportunities to grow, learn and be involved in cultural activities, It would also give me a chance to experience and explore the benefits of attending college in which are to expand knowledge ,and grown as a person. It would be an advantage on grad school also in the working field .Being apart of the upward bound program may help me become a better leader and person with high moral standards and, plenty of confidence.
There are many answers to the question who a person is ,or what makes each of us unique beyond genetics or DNA.So who am I ?I am shy but I tend to break the shell ,as I get to know people .I am competitive ambitious , random ,and organized .I have inquisitive adventurous spirit .I don’t like to be confined by strict rules or limitations on my freedom .I become frustrated with people who are less motivated than I am or who fail to accomplish what they say they will .I am driven ,daring ,and enjoy determining new concepts that fit into existing theories. I am unique. I am Shaellah Robinson.
Two people who has greatly influenced me in my growth and development would m=be my mother Renee Robinson-Ash ,and my friend Chelsea Oglesby .My mother has helped me through out life’s obstacles .She has taught me the benefits of having a brain and using it, “One thing you’ll always have that will help you is your intelligence”. My friend Chelsea has also has a impact on my life .She has help me become aware of college .If it weren’t for her I would not be aware of how much high school performance means to college. Chelsea has given me hope, and now I am more prepared for the future.
There are many definitions of education; around the world education has different meaning some of which are to get a higher level of education, to enter a higher rank, or to be someone. As for me education is more than just learning in school .Its a new perspective and growth on life. Education is express through books, poetry, etc . . . . It’s a door to opportunities .Education is a gift and not just a gift some of us receive, but it’s a gift that is given to everyone. An education is the ability to, learn, help, ad teach. Education is important because without it we can not progress in life. I believe my education also shapes my personality and gives me courage. It’s a piece of hope that I can achieve and hold onto for the rest of my life.
My future goals after High School is to attend ( ) and double major in Law and English. These are both passions of mines that I plan on pursuing throughout my career .Law is something I feel as I can make a difference by keeping equality and fairness. Law has made a difference in society today as a whole. English on the other hand is my niche that I’ve found a good outlet to express myself .I also home to inspire other teens in my life time to make a difference, because we are the future. I hope to start a nation wide College Awareness program I don’t believe our generation is being aware about college. Many teens are unaware of college and the principles that go with it. In English class we were asked “What college we would like to attend? and what we would like to major in?”. Many of the student were not aware of the different colleges ,and majors that one can study .My standards are set high and my dreams big , but with hard work and perseverance I can accomplish all of my goals.

Its an applicationessay for a college summer program does it sound good if not how can I fix it?
Its not yet finish as you can see

Best answer:

Answer by Rebecca
This needs a lot of editing. If you send it to me via e-mail, I will go over it and give you detailed notes. I do think that it is a good start.

What do you think? Answer below!

Question by Preppy Prep Girl: What type of jobs could I do?
I’m 14 years old and a freshman in high school. When I grow up I want a career.
I took a career test and here’s what it said about me.
I’m resonsible, dedicaded, dutiful, respectful, not competitive, organized, reliable, sympathetic, quiet. (which is all true)
Dominant intelligences: Logical Mathematical, Linguistic, Intrapersonal, Naturalist and Musical.
Dominant abilities: Caring and Serving, Self Awareness, Scientific, Written Language, Logical and Commercial
Knowledge worker status: Level 1 Knowledge Worker – Knowledge User and Creator.

Knowledge age skills: Communication – Strong
Adaptability – Reasonable
Business – Strong
Team Work – Reasonable
Computer – Reasonable
Learning – Strong

For fields of work it suggested.
Business/Finance Management, Office and administrative support and Healthcare practitioner and technical.

What are some jobs I can do when I grow up?
I’m talking about the future and having a career

Best answer:

Answer by twisterx1124
At the age of 14 you will not receive a paying job in any of those fields. You may be able to try and volunteer at such jobs but for someone oyur age the only jobs that can really be given to you are: Grocery store clerk, camp councilor, or other small businesses since most large businesses dont hire anyone under the age of 16.

What do you think? Answer below!

Question by C.: Advice for all 12 Zodiac Signs?
Listen up kids……

Aries – SIT DOWN FOR ONCE! Be idle. Stop being so ******* competitive in everything you do, life is not a ******* race. If you keep acting so wild, you’ll be straight to the hospital or dead.

Taurus – STOP BEING SO DAMN STUBBORN!

Gemini – PICK A ******* SIDE! Being two-faced lame and highly annoying. If you’re my friend then be my friend! If you’re not, then leave me the hell alone.

Cancer – SUCK IT THE F*CK UP AND STOP CRYING. Stop being so damn sensitive. Your weakness is pathetic and irritating.

Leo – GET THAT STICK OUT YOUR ***! The world doesn’t revolve around you and it never will. Egotistical jerks. It’s all about ME ME ME when it comes to you ppl. Self-centered mofos.

Virgo – YOU PEOPLE ARE BORING AS WALLPAPER. Why are y’all such perfectionists, when you’re not even perfect ya damn self?! Dumbasses.

Libra – STOP BEING MS. CHATTY PATTY AND SHUT THE HELL UP.

Scorpio – STOP BEING SO SERIOUS. Everyone is not out to get you. You ppl wonder why know one understands you. Get out the depths of hell and SOCIALIZE. JEEZ!

Sagittarius – YOU PEOPLE ARE SOCIALLY DANGEROUS AND SLOW.

Capricorn – YOU WOULD THINK WITH ALL THAT INTELLIGENCE YOU’RE “SUPPOSE” TO HAVE, YOU WOULD BE SMART. Welp you’re not! It doesn’t take much brain power to make harsh comments.

Aquarius – STOP ANALYZING EVERYTHING! YOU POKE POKE AND POKE! Why? Just go wit the flow.

Pisces – WAKE THE F*CK UP! Get out of Candy Land and into reality!

(:

Best answer:

Answer by Ihatemyname
LOLROFL.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Question by Lilly Jane: Is this a Good Story Idea?
I’ve been playing around with a certain idea for a story for some time now. It’s not fully formed, definitely some plot kinks that need to be figured out. But before I continue writing, I’d like to know if the premise itself is too cliche or tired. I’d appreciate any constructive criticism/advice.

Keep in mind, this isn’t a plot. It’s just a loose concept at this point.

Setting: So, in the future, the world’s kinda gone to hell and back. It’s not clear why exactly. Warfare, disease, collapse of society, it could be anything. Technology and science are extinct, culture crippled. Several major powers have emerged from the wreckage. These powers vary in their economic prosperity, attention to human rights, and political ideals. Some of these mega-nations are considered worse than others. However, they are all oppressive at the core, no matter how positive things appear on the surface. They are competitive states, constantly in a state of undeclared warfare with one another, the net of alliances is complex.

Idea: In this shadowy, politically charged time, the mega-nations utilize espionage to keep tabs on one another. These spies live very dangerous, very dreary lives. It’s not a glamorous life, as portrayed in things like James Bond. It’s pretty depressing actually. One of these spies is a young woman (I haven’t thought of a name so I’ll just call her C). She is unassuming, forgettable on the surface. C relies on her intelligence and cunning in most situations, preferring not to use violence unless necessary. In certain cases though, she is prone to lose control and overdo it in terms of brutality against enemies. Inside, she is plagued by the guilt, fear, and paranoia that come with the job of spying. She holds no true ideological convictions, for she is constantly switching sides. C has no ambition of leaving her profession, doing so would be essentially suicide. She meets with a whole host of characters through her shadowy work, drug runners, fellow spies, the sometimes head of her own network, ruthless assassins, her best friend from childhood, and others. She finds love, loses people, and deals with her tangled web of deceit throughout the story as the political situation in the world becomes more dangerous. In the end, she must come to terms with her complicated, dangerous life, and decide whether or not any good can come from it eventually.

What do you guys think? Thanks so much

Best answer:

Answer by Lucy Lee
yes,it is.keep ur mind and ur dream,u will success.

What do you think? Answer below!

Question by Chrissy Choi: Chances of becoming a physician?
Its been bothering me whether i still have a chance to get into med-school and was hoping to find some advice from people that are knowledgeable with the topic. First of all, im an undergrad senior with a not worth mentioning GPA and no type of research. I’m doing a 5th year so that gives me a chance to raise my GPA up some.

i’ve repeated a lot of classes during my course of college and my transcript is nothing compared to competitive. I’ve accepted that what i’ve accomplished so far will not get me into med-school but was wondering if there is still a chance some how.

I was diagnosis with depression 2 years ago from experiencing post-tramatic trauma after my brother had passed away which caused me to fail miserably. I am intelligence and skillful although it does not show on paper. I am passionate about being a physician and feel that my calling in life is to help people. I am determine to overcome this psychological disorder and perform above average.

So at a glance of what i said so far, how will the medical board review my application (considering that i get As this year and the next). Will they be bias due to my depression/anxiety? accepted with low GPA but high MCAT?

Anything will help, harshness will also be appreciated. Thanks.

Best answer:

Answer by DrIG
There is no reason why you should not choose to go through the admission process. You can fall back on, if necessary, going to a medical school out of the country./

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Question by being/non-being: Is the egocentric based spirit of competition going to ultimately lead to the total annihilation of mankind?
Is what seems to me to have become an obsession with competitive activities which has carried over into the minds of the majority of humans as a way of seeing all relationships with other humans as well as all of life in general, going to lead to the eventual total mutual self destruction of the entire human race? I notice this type of mentality amongst many in my environment. It seems as though they have one overwhelming desire in life which is to either completely conquer others and have them in their complete control or to destroy them if they are unwilling to yield to their control. It seems that these types of people do not have enough intelligence or perhaps it is a special quality of dharma to go with the intelligence to be able to attain what Richard Maurice Bucke called “cosmic consciousness”. See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Bucke . Without cosmic consciousness egocentric men will not only feel alienated from each other but from their entire environment as well.

Best answer:

Answer by chiccigyal
Yes!

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Question by Sana *: Is my original character personality sheet quite complete?
I write (fan)fiction and I would like to know if you think that I should add/delete/modify anything. I want it to be as complete as possible. I will type the example of an original character of mine, but I want to know if the STRUCTURE of the character sheet is fine enough. Thanks in advance!

Character sheet
Name: Laura Lavender
Nickname: Lala
Gender: Female
Age: 17
Hair: Electric green, caught in pony-tails
Eyes: Blue
Body type: Slim
Species: ½ Alien
Clothing style: Funky
Distinctive features: Belly piercing in the shape of a spiral

Qualities: Happy-go-lucky, enthusiast, intelligent
Flaws: Selfish, manipulative, competitive
Diseases/Disorders: Antisocial Personality Disorder, Inability to form a solid intimate relationship, Attention Deficit Disorder.
Usual mood: Happy
Obsessions: Weird clothes
Intelligence: Above average, but can be pretty naïve at times
Talents: Plays the violin
Specialised knowledge: Knows a lot about demons
Special powers: Teleportation (only once every year)
Bad habits: Pickpocket thief

Occupation: None
Marital status: Single
Religion: Atheist

Favourite:
*music: Classical
*singer/band/composer: Beethoven
*book: The Shining
*author: Stephen King
*food: Any type of fish
*drink: Soda
*movie: Silence of the Lambs
*soundtrack: Phantom of the Opera
*colour: The rainbow

Friends: None
Family: Father-Jake, mother and her three brothers are dead
Lover: None
Rivals: Everyone
Enemies: None
Crushes: The boy next door (Benny)
Pet(s): A rat named Sunshine

Things he/she loves: Rats, snakes, carnivorous plants, long hair.
Things he/she hates: Cats, make-up, silence, rock music.
Things that scarred him/her: The physical and emotional abuse she received from her father
Things that embarrass him/her: Being laughed at for her opinions

Best answer:

Answer by howie193
What about:
past
secrets
dreams
ambitions
favourite saying?

The structure works well so long as you are happy with it personally – after all you’re the one that’ll be using it.

What do you think? Answer below!

Question by midnightafterdark: Review my resume? Any input on it?
Okay, so I’m registering for a very high-class private school and I need to write an essay on why I’d like to attend. can anyone please just review (not skim) it and review? It would be SOOO appreciated… 10 points to best answer.

I would like to become a student at *** because I feel it would be academically beneficial and an excellent way to develop essential studying skills for future years and for college.
Not to be braggadocios, but I consider myself within the class of higher intelligence; I have never had any extreme difficulties in my past years at school. I believe learning at *** would challenge me and I would certainly work my hardest to overcome the most difficult tasks. For example, coming in before school or staying after to study in the library is definitely and option I have been considering. The classes at ***, as I understand, are relatively advanced, as of which I have been in since the third grade. I believe the courses at *** could challenge me ever more than I already am. Also, a certain subject I have always struggled with is math. Asking for help from the teacher is not something I fear and I’m always willing to learn more. I want to understand the curriculum; good grades have always been a very important essential in my mind. I always try my hardest to maintain a B or higher and strive in ALL my classes.
Developing studying skills is a very important task that must be practiced especially for college. As stated before, studying in the library before and/or after school is a habit I hope to accomplish. I pledge to work my absolute hardest and only strive to do even better and work to my full potential.
In addition to academics, I would also enjoy taking part in extra curriculars and after certain electives. For example, I am part of a competitive dance troupe, I have been musically involved since I was eight, and I take a high interest in artistry and theatre. I wish to contribute to these clubs and hopefully be accepted. I consider myself an active student with a very “bubbly” personality and high hopes to make everyone around me feel the same way.
In conclusion, I hope to achieve great standards in my years at *** and _____

ps. i *** out the school cause I dont want creepers
also, if theres any suggestions how to close my essay, that’d be great!!
and, if there are any spelling mistakes, please dont point them out; I plan to edit and spell check!

Best answer:

Answer by Kerry Broadbent
It sounds okay Try not brag too much otherwise they will think that you are a snob.

What do you think? Answer below!