F1IS 5235 - Navigating the Futures: Foresight and Strategic Planning in Action

This course on foresight equips students with the theoretical and practical tools needed to engage in strategic planning in public and private organizations.

It covers the history and methods of foresight, focusing on international and defense issues, before exploring scenario planning and its application in risk management. The final part delves into creative foresight, open foresight, and the role of science fiction in future thinking.

Through lectures, exercises, and practitioner insights, students will learn to anticipate emerging trends and apply foresight methods to real-world challenges.

Learning Outcomes:

• Advanced research and analytical skills
• Mastery of foresight theories and methodologies
• Development of strategic scenario planning skills
• Knowledge of the foresight ecosystem, both in France and at the international level

Professional Skills:

• Strategic thinking and long-term planning
• Creative problem-solving abilities
• Risk anticipation and management
• Critical thinking
• Communication and presentation skills

Feedback will be provided following the presentations throughout the semester. However, the final grade will only be given at the end of the semester to ensure fairness among students.

Feedback for individual assignments will be given in writing and sent by email.

At the end of each practical workshop, we will also organize a discussion session where students can share their impressions and progress in foresight methods.

• Writing a practical paper (2 pages) on the role and use of foresight in a public or private organization of the students' choice: this will be a collective work in pairs, and will require conducting interviews with foresight professionals. It will account for 20% of the final grade.
• A group presentation, done in teams of 2 or 3 depending on the class size. This will contribute to 30% of the final grade.
• Writing a scenario: Following the scenario workshop organised in class, this will be an individual assignment and will account for 30% of the final grade.
• Class participation: The course will include several practical workshops, requiring active engagement and participation from students throughout. 20% of the final grade.

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 1 hours a week / 12 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 0,75 hours a week / 18 hours a semester
• Other: monitoring foresight practices in the international relations and defense sector: 0.5 hours a week / 6 hours a semester