ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW

Task: Produce an individual analytical report critically evaluating the utility of the intelligence cycle to modern intelligence organizations, with specific reference to the essential elements of an intelligence system in the provision of intelligence support.

Word Count: 1,000 words (excluding executive summary, references and appendices)

Submission Format: Professional intelligence report format with executive summary (not included in word count), with analysis sections, discussion, and recommendations

Weight: 30%

REPORT COMPONENTS

Your report must comprehensively address the following three analytical dimensions:

Section A: Discussion and Evaluation

Assess whether the traditional intelligence cycle remains useful to modern intelligence agencies

Identify and analyze the core elements/components of a contemporary intelligence system

Evaluate how intelligence provides operational support and decision-support in modern contexts

Ensure that at the very least, you also address the following questions: (i) Does the traditional five-stage intelligence cycle (Direction, Collection, Processing, Analysis, Dissemination) adequately represent modern intelligence processes? (ii) How do factors like real-time intelligence, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence challenge or enhance the traditional model? (iii) What alternative models (e.g., target-centric approach, activity-based intelligence) might better serve modern needs? (iv) How does the intelligence cycle support different types of operations (tactical, operational, strategic)?

Section B: Methodology and Framing

Develop explicit criteria for evaluating what would make the intelligence cycle useful

Justify your criteria with reference to intelligence theory and practice

Consider adaptability, efficiency, accuracy, timeliness, and relevance as potential criteria

Address how criteria apply across different intelligence disciplines (HUMINT, SIGINT, OSINT, etc.); select a minimum of two for comparative analysis

Section C: Application and Discussion

Apply your criteria to evaluate current evidence regarding the intelligence cycle’s utility

Draw on case studies, empirical research, and professional literature

Analyze both successes and failures of the intelligence cycle in practice

Provide recommendations for improving or replacing the traditional model

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Critical Analysis:

Demonstrate masters-level critical thinking and analytical depth

Move beyond description to evaluation, synthesis, and original argument

Challenge assumptions and conventional wisdom where appropriate

Sources:

Minimum 20 high-quality academic and professional sources

Demonstrate engagement with current seminal debates in intelligence studies

Chicago referencing style consistently throughout your intel report; provide a bibliography at the end of your report