Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Master of Management (Strategic Foresight) suite.

Aims & Objectives:

After taking this unit of study participants will:

• understand the range of prospective foresight methods that are available and have experience in some of the methods;
• recognise the strengths and limitations of key methodologies and thereby will be able to design an integrated foresight process; and
• understand the elements that contribute to powerful and compelling written outputs from foresight processes and have experience in preparing such.
  

Teaching Methods:

A range of teaching methods will be used, including lectures, presentations and small group activities

Assessment:

Minor essay: 10%
Scenario narrative: 20-30%
Learning journal: 10-20%
Group presentation: 10-20%
Tender response report: 30-50%
Class Contribution: 10%

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Learners bring to Swinburne University of Technology a range of experiences and graduate with individual understandings, abilities and attitudes. Within this context it is the intent of Swinburne that all its graduates:

• are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
• operate effectively in work and community situations
• are adaptable and manage change
• are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
• are aware of the dynamic nature of environments.

Content:

The purpose of this Unit of study is to deepen the student’s knowledge of the foresight methods that were covered in HBF541 Foresight Methods 1 and to introduce students to a range of advanced foresight methods. This Unit provides students with the opportunity to explore some foresight methods in more depth, both via classroom experience and through written work.  Emphasis is placed on "real world" applications of method and on the generation of "real world" outputs from methodological processes.  This Unit is highly relevant to students who wish to facilitate foresight processes or who wish to integrate foresight methods with organisational strategy, innovation, leadership or change processes.

Topics covered:

• Paradigms of research and knowledge-creation
• Scenario methods
• Visioning methods
• Layered methods
• Other prospective methods
• Crafting written deliverables
• Action inquiry methods
• Foresight process design
  

Recommended Reading:

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