A generic foresight process framework

A generic foresight process framework is outlined, based on prior independent work by Mintzberg, Horton and Slaughter. The framework was developed as part of work carried out by the author during the introduction of foresight into the formal strategic planning of a public‐sector university in Australia. The framework recognises several distinct phases, leading from the initial gathering of information, through to the production of outputs intended as input into the more familiar activities of strategy development and strategic planning. The framework is also useful as a diagnostic tool for examining how foresight work and strategy are undertaken, as well as a design aid for customised foresight projects and processes. Some observations and reflections are made on lessons learned from a two‐and‐a‐half year engagement as an organisationally‐based foresight practitioner.

[1]  J. Petersen Out of the Blue: How to Anticipate Big Future Surprises , 1997 .

[2]  Miguel Alcubierre,et al.  LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The warp drive: hyper-fast travel within general relativity , 1994, gr-qc/0009013.

[3]  S. Inayatullah Causal layered analysis , 1998 .

[4]  Chun Wie Choo Information management for the intelligent organization (2nd ed.): the art of scanning the environment , 1999 .

[5]  J. Voros Reframing environmental scanning: a reader on the art of scanning the environment , 2003 .

[6]  Peter Hayward,et al.  Facilitating foresight: where the foresight function is placed in organisations , 2004 .

[7]  Lutz E. Schlange Scenarios: The art of strategic conversation , 1997 .

[8]  Averil Horton,et al.  A simple guide to successful foresight , 1999 .

[9]  Henry Mintzberg,et al.  The Fall and Rise of Strategic Planning , 1994 .

[10]  Richard A. Slaughter Where now for futures studies , 2002 .

[11]  James A. Ogilvy,et al.  Creating Better Futures: Scenario Planning as a Tool for a Better Tomorrow , 2002 .

[12]  J. R. Beaumont Diagnosing the System for Organizations , 1985 .

[13]  S. Inayatullah Macrohistory and futures studies , 1998 .

[14]  R. Slaughter PROBING BENEATH THE SURFACE , 1989 .

[15]  T. Hancock,et al.  Possible futures, preferable futures. , 1994, The Healthcare Forum journal.

[16]  Henry Mintzberg,et al.  Strategy safari : a guided tour through the wilds of strategic management , 1998 .

[17]  Joseph Voros,et al.  An integral approach , 2003 .