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Futuring Methods

Multiple solutions
There are many more futures methods available than most people realize. They cover Creative, Descriptive, Statistical, Opinion, Monitoring, Scenarios, Analytical, Decision and Modeling methods.

Before starting a project or program, examine the different methods which will best achieve the desired outcomes. A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods should be chosen. Methods and tools that allow one to combine different approaches are especially suitable. A methodological competence should be built up within the organization and shared with the users; this is the task of the corporate foresight manager.

We have a listing of many more methods and detailed descriptions of those above. Spend time examining the pros and cons of each before jumping to a previous solution or one you have heard of in passing.

Programme design

Methods used here

Backcasting: works backwards from a vision to the present day (available in Plan & Act)
Citation analysis: the examination of the frequency and pattern of citations in articles and books
Citizen panels: virtual or conference-based activity to uncover public concerns on critical issues
Content analysis: methodology in the social sciences for studying the content of communication
Cross-impact analysis: examines relationships and cross-overs between issues
Delphi analysis: uses human judgement to generate forecasts (available as Custom Services)
Driving force: determines critical drivers and creating alternate futures
Horizon scanning: systematically searches for emerging issues
Narrative analysis: metadata mapping of folksonomies, user comments, and tagging
Organizational storytelling: develops evocative narratives to convey core messages
PEST: active analysis of forces affecting an issue(s) for environmental scanning
Scenario planning: explores possible, preferable futures (available in Plan & Act)
Stakeholder analysis: aims to identify the stakeholders that are likely to be affected by activities
SWOT: identifies future opportunities, strengths, risks, and threats
Technology roadmapping: roadmapping aids planning and placing products in time order
Trend analysis: extrapolates past trends into the future
Visioning: sets a success criteria from which all other actions spring

Further reference

Other methods
If we do not appear to currently provide a method that suits your purpose please contact us for a free discussion on how we can integrate your needs into the system using the free-form message box below (e.g., gaming, modelling, simulation, system mapping).

Next: Creative Back: Foresight Approaches To: Shaping Tomorrow

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sunfirejewels	Latest page update: made by sunfirejewels , Apr 19 2009, 9:38 PM EDT (about this update About This Update Edited by sunfirejewels 31 words added 33 words deleted view changes - complete history)
	Keyword tags: Backcasting Citation analysis Citizens panels Cross-impact Delphi Horizon scanning Narrative analysis Organisational storytelling PEST Scenario planning Stakeholder analysis SWOT Technology roadmapping Trend analysis Visioning More Info: links to this page