Futures Thinking, Trends and Transformations (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Schedule

Week 34. Have a look at the course contents.
Week 35. Choose and describe your industry.
Week 36. Describe the megatrends that affect the world in the decades to come.
Week 37. Describe the two most interesting industry-related trends you focus on.
Week 38. Finalise the trend section of your video/report
Week 39. Explore the two step method for making scenarios
Week 40. Describe the two step method for making scenarios
Week 41. Start making scenarios and document it on the video/report.
Week. 42. Intensive week.
Week 43. Continue making scenarios and document it on the video/report.
Week 44. Deadline: Submit your trends and scenarios assignment (Part 1).
Week 45. Transformation: Look back.
Week 46. Transformation: Paint the big picture.
Week 47. Describe the key steps to business transformation (apply the Six Hats)
Week 48. Deadline: Submit your letter from the future assignment (Part 2).
Week 49-50: Submit official course feedback.

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.

Intro

With strong futures thinking skills, you will have a competitive advantage in seeing the future before it happens. You will be able to consider possibilities that others do not see coming. You will learn to unveil opportunities that will help a business thrive or to tackle a future change that a company needs to be prepared for. You will also be ready to help others in preparing for and adapting to the future.

Materials

Material available on the Moodle platform.

Teaching methods and instruction

This is a virtual course with no contact hours. Independent study in network environment. Feedback provided for parts 1-2. The assessment of one’s own learning 1 h.

Working life connections

The course supports the students in their own research/development project which is related to the business community.

Exam dates and re-exam possibilities

Deadlines of assignments are available on the course Moodle site. No exams for this course.

Internationality

International learning materials and assignment contents.

Completion alternatives

Learning by using the work-based learning method “Work&Study” according to on a plan if the learning goals of the course can be obtained through the student´s work or hobby.

Demonstration (of earlier skills and knowledge in the course content).

Learning assignments

Part 1 = 60 % (video or report)
Future orientation and trend analysis (The importance of futures thinking, definitions; analysing, anticipating and forecasting future trends)
Innovative development methods (Applying the two step method for making scenarios).

Part 2 = 40 % (letter)
Transformation description: How the trends and transformation will shape the chosen industry: business opportunities and possibilities

You can complete the assignments on your own or with another student.

Assessment methods

Part 1 = 60 % (video or report)
Part 2 = 40 % (letter)