Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

Student
Knows and can apply the methods of futures studies and forecasting in understanding and taking control of changes in the operating environment.
Can connect futures studies and forecasting as well as development based on future knowledge to strategic management and planning.

Content (course unit)

Futures studies and foresight
Operational environment analysis
Megatrends, trends, weak signals
Futures table
Scenarios
Applying future knowledge to strategic planning
Agile strategizing and creative ideation

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student can identify and define phenomena and basic concepts related to the topic. The student knows the process of futures studies and forecasting, as well as different methods of futures studies and forecasting. The student knows how to apply one of the futures studies methods and performs the given tasks, but cannot, for example, justify his choices. If necessary, the student works in a group and takes responsibility for his own performance.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

In addition to the previous one, the student is able to structure the relationships between phenomena and concepts related to the topic and to choose and apply appropriate methods of futures studies and forecasting with justification. The student takes responsibility and commits not only to his own activities but also to the activities of the group.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

In addition to the previous ones, the student understands the wide-ranging entities of the subject area and the relationships between them, knows how to search for different methods of futures studies and forecasting, and evaluates and creatively applies them.

Location and time

1. remote session, 9.1.2025 klo 12.30-15.30 (Zoom)
2. remote session, 6.2.2025 klo 8.30-15.30 (Zoom)
3. remote session, 21.3.2025 klo 8.30-15.30 (Zoom)

Individual and small group work between/after teaching sessions. Completion of the course by 6.4.2025

Assessment methods and criteria

Individual and small group assignments.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Remote lectures via Zoom, independent study, individual and small group assignments.

Learning materials

Materials on the Moodle course page. The materials are in both Finnish and English.

Student workload

5 cr = 135 h
Joint remote learning (teacher-driven) ~20 h (2 1/2 days).
Maximum absence 1/2 days. A replacement task for absence.
In addition working individually (student-driven) and in small groups, and familiarization with the materials.

Completing the course requires solid small group work both during and outside of teaching sessions.

Content scheduling

1st remote session via Zoom consists of introduction and PESTE analysis; the 2nd remote session via Zoom consists of scenario thinking and weak signals, and the 3rd remote session via Zoom deals with scenario presentations and agile strategizing.

Completion alternatives

No optional execution methods. Maximum absence 1/2 days. A replacement task for absence.

Practical training and working life cooperation

Tasks are related to working life foresight.

International connections

The learning material is partly based on international discussions and texts.

Further information

If necessary, cancel your registration in good time if you are prevented from participating in it. This way, you free up your seat in time for the next student who may be in line.

If the student's registration for the implementation is rejected, the registration will not automatically be transferred to the next organized implementation, but must be registered for it again.

The implementation's abundant supply of materials enables the student to conduct more extensive self-study according to his own interests.