Course Objectives
Shaping the Future: Tools for Developing Strategic Foresight - Virtual Learning
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Distinguish between possible, probable and preferable futures
Apply scenario thinking using the futures wheel and environmental scanning
Recognize the connection between the foresight and strategy process
Use futures studies to manage and mitigate risk
Target Audience
All leaders, managers and senior professionals who are involved in influencing, formulating or supporting the long term planning of their department or organization, as well as those who are interested in learning more about futures studies.
Target Competencies
Creative thinking
Conceptual thinking
Situation analysis
Future thinking
Theoretical problem solving
Systems judgement
Critical thinking
Scenario analysis
Course Outline
Characteristics of a futurist perspectiveHow companies and governments can use futurologyChange as the normTaking a holistic perspective in viewing changeAccepting alternative futuresDistinguishing between different futuresThe importance of short, medium, and long-range planningThe danger of leaving the future to chanceCreating the future
Scenario thinkingScenario approachEnvironmental scanningFutures wheelFutures tableWeak signalsBlack swans and wild cards
Systems thinking and strategic foresightUnderstanding complexitySystemic structure of dynamic and complex wholesMethodologies of systems thinkingVisionary leadership and corporate foresightThe connection between foresight and strategy processGovernmental and regional foresight
Managing for changeThe link between strategic management and futures researchUsing futures studies to effect change and transformationThe role of leadership in planning for the futureUsing futures studies to manage and mitigate riskChanging futures
Futures methods in practiceConnecting various futures studies methods and theoretical thinkingGlobal challengesSustainable futuresStudying and evaluating effects of globalizationConcept of sustainability