Use of methods Competitive Intelligence for small and medium companies

The presented thesis deals with the possibilities of using techniques of Competitive Intelligence (hereafter CI) for small and medium companies. Its aim is mainly to analyze the possibilities of CI method in case of a specific company in the field of small and medium enterprises. The first part provides comprehensive overview of theoretical information, which is necessary to identify the concept of CI. It begins with definitions of CI and then continues with more detailed description of the field. Next, characteristics of small and medium-sized enterprises are introduced, as well as the possible use of CI in these enterprises. Finally, various methods such as SLEPT analysis, Porter's five forces model, SWOT analysis, and others are described in detail. The practical part of the work deals not only with description of a particular company in the field of building design and architecture, but also with crucial part of the thesis, exploration of external background of the company using these analytical methods and proposal of the proper use of information resources according to needs of the company. The last chapter deals with a suitable method of application of CI in the field of architecture and construction, providing summarized suggestions for the specific company as well as for the sphere of business in general.