Study Guide

Objective

* is able to retrieve, analyse and interpret information based on future research methods and tools for
selected projects
* works with initiative and proactively and is able to start and implement change processes
* Is able to utilize and act according to gained new knowledge

Content

- Acquaintance of terms. methods and research principles
- Participatory research and design

1. Data Acquisition:
- Background research
- Trends: mega trends, weak signals
2. Future Research Methods
- e.g. working with mood boards, future wheel, future chart, workshops
3. Scenarios
- selections, decisions

Materials

Literature Bell, W. 1997a. Foundations of Futures Studies. Human Science for a New Era. Volume I: History, Purposes, Knowledge. Transaction Publishers, New Brunswick and London.
Bell, W. 1997b. Foundations of Futures Studies. Human Science for a New Era. Volume II: Values, Objectivity and the Good Society. Transaction Publishers, New Brunswick and London.
Masini, Eleonora, Why Future Studies? London, Grey Seal Books 1993.
Fahey, L. & Randall, R. M. (Eds.) 1998. Learning from the future. Competitive foresight scenarios. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York.

Teaching methods

- contact and distance learning
- lectures
- group work
- group assignment and presentations
- home assignment
- active participation and interaction in group work

Exam schedules

Deadlines will be decided on first contact day

Student workload

- gathering and analysing information based on futures research methods
- scenario planning

1) Individual assignment - depth of theoretical and analytical approach
2) The group assignment and presentations - depth of theoretical and analytical approach
3) Active participation and interaction in the group work
4) All required task returned in time

Contact learning 16 h
Self studies:
- group work 69 h
- literature studies 30 h
- assignments 20 h

Content scheduling

03.04.2020 - 25.04.2020

Competence objectives of the study unit
• The Student is able to retrieve, analyse and interpret information based on future research methods and tools for selected projects works with initiative and proactively and is able to start and implement change processes is able to utilise and act according to gained new knowledge

Further information

Prerequisities: Passed Research and Development course.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

Quantity: the work is not completed and or, Quality: the minimum content requirements are not met

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Sufficient 1:
- Theory and methodology are poorly understood
- Active participation
Satisfactory 2:
- Appear to grasp theory and have made a start in showing its applicability in future studies methods
- Research, communication and documentation are acceptable
- Active participation

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Good 3:
Understanding of theory and applicability of futures methods, but work could be stronger
- Research, communication and documentation are good
- Active participation
Very Good 4:
- General understanding of theory and methods, very good implementation in assignments
- Reliable research, innovative service design and communication and documentation on good level Very active participation

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

- Mastery of theory and methods, proficiency of implementation of them in the assignments
- Outstanding research, innovative presentation and excellent communication and documentation
- Very active participation