Futures Thinking, Trends and TransformationsLaajuus (5 cr)

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student is able to
• understand the importance of future orientation and trend watching for the success of businesses and individuals
• research the most important technologies, global events and big ideas that are shaping the future to discover new possibilities and opportunities for doing business
• apply innovative development methods to futures thinking and scenario planning in a chosen industry
• describe the different stages and key steps of the transformation process
• innovate ideas for business transformations for the future and provide solutions and scenarios for how to adapt to and benefit from the future changes

Contents

Part 1: Industry, trends and scenarios
Future orientation and trend analysis. Application of an innovative development method to selected trends and scenario planning in the chosen industry.

Part 2: Letter from the future
Transformation description of how the trends and transformation will shape the chosen industry: business opportunities and possibilities

Implementation methods, demonstration and Work&Study

a) This is a virtual course with no contact hours. Independent study in network environment. Moodle feedback provided for parts 1-2. Assessment of one’s own learning.

b) Learning by using the work-based learning method ""Work&Study"" according to a plan that shows how the learning goals of the course can be obtained through the student's work or hobby. More information from responsible teachers or academic advisors.

c) Demonstration (of earlier skills and knowledge in the course content). More information from responsible teachers or academic advisors.

Assessment criteria - grade 1

The student is aware of future orientation and trend watching for the success of businesses and individuals. The student can identify potential technologies, global events and big ideas that are shaping the future to a limited degree. The student finds it challenging to apply innovative development methods to futures thinking and scenario planning in a chosen industry. The student has basic understanding of the importance of innovating ideas for business transformations for the future. The student needs help in finding solutions and scenarios for how to adapt to and benefit from the future changes. The student understands some of the stages and key steps of the transformation process.

Assessment criteria - grade 3

The student understands the importance of future orientation and trend watching for the success of businesses and individuals. The student can identify potential technologies, global events and big ideas that are shaping the future rather well. The student is able to apply innovative development methods to futures thinking and scenario planning in a chosen industry. The student has a rather good understanding of the importance of innovating ideas for business transformations for the future. The student is able to find solutions and scenarios for how to adapt to and benefit from the future changes. The student understands the stages and key steps of the transformation process fairly well.

Assessment criteria - grade 5

The student understands and can justify the importance of future orientation and trend watching for the success of businesses and individuals. The student can identify potential technologies, global events and big ideas that are shaping the future very well. The student is able to apply and evaluate innovative development methods to futures thinking and scenario planning in a chosen industry. The student has a very good understanding of the importance of innovating ideas for business transformations for the future. The student is able to find versatile solutions and scenarios for how to adapt to and benefit from the future changes. The student understands the stages and key steps of the transformation process very well.

Learning materials

Journals and magazines, studies by futurists and international organisations (e.g., Sitra, OECD, WEF) and other electronic sources.

Further information

Part 1: Industry, trends and scenarios (60%)
Part 2: Letter from the future (40%)