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

Before starting a project or programmeprogram, examine the different methods for 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 organisationorganization 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.



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 basedconference-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.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 commentscomments, and tagging
• OrganisationalOrganizational 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.futures (available in Plan & Act) future
• Stakeholder analysis: aims to identify the stakeholders that are likely to be affected by activities
• SWOT: identifies future opportunities, strengths, risksrisks, 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

• Foresight: Horizon Scanning Centre
• Designing the methodologyMethodology
• Futures Research Methodology
• Individual Tools
• Futures Concepts and Powerful Ideas
• Futures Tools and Techniques
• Questioning the Future
• Futures: multidisciplinaryMultidisciplinary studiesStudies of patternsPatterns to determineDetermine the likelihoodLikelihood of futureFuture trendsTrends
• Knowledge Base Of Futures Studies
• So what?What? Implications and Impacts
• Managing – howHow couldCould the futureFuture developDevelop differently?Differently?
• What alternativeAlternative futuresFutures exist?Exist?
  

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.(e.g., gaming, modelling, simulation, system mapping).

Next: Creative Back: Foresight Approaches To: Shaping Tomorrow

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