A conceptual model is introduced whereby the focus is placed on environmental scanning, diagnostics anddecision-making on the basis of managerial judgement through the application of tools such as intelligentagents, hybrid intelligent systems, scenario analysis and knowledge-based systems. The model has a criticalstage as an antecedent to the strategic advice that encompasses the issues of strategic fit to purpose (theme,industry, company and strategic business unit-driven). A number of applications dealing with these four layersare shown, as well as an illustration of hybrid intelligent systems for strategic marketing planning

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