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Scanning, Trends Analysis and Data Interpretation

In collaboration with

COURSE OVERVIEW

A comprehensive course designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to identify and analyse current and emerging trends that influence global and local landscapes. The course offers a deep dive into the understanding of trend dynamics, including drivers, wildcards, and shocks, and their subsequent impacts on society, economy, and technology. Participants will learn to differentiate between noise and signals in data, applying both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods to interpret complex information. By the end of the course, participants will be adept at utilising diverse data sets to inform strategic foresight, enabling them to craft robust strategies for future scenarios and decision-making processes. The curriculum bridges theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students to effectively apply their insights to real-world challenges in both the public and private sectors.

Facilitator

Dr. Marius Oosthuizen
Senior Lecturer
Dubai Future Academy

Dr. Marius Oosthuizen is a futurist, academic, consultant and facilitator. With a dual Masters degrees in strategic foresight and social and political ethics, as well as a PhD in leadership, Dr. Oosthuizen helps executives in government, business and civil society build future-ready institutions.

He holds the position of Director, Scenarios at the World Energy Council (WEC) and Director for Learning at the School of International Futures (SOIF), both in London. As an adjunct faculty member of the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), he teaches the annual Mastering Strategic Foresight elective on the executive MBA. He is Senior Faculty with the Dubai Future Academy, at the Dubai Future Foundation.

As a speaker, Dr. Oosthuizen has the unique ability to blend political and economic analysis, with social and cultural nuances at both local and international levels.

Pre-requisites:
None

Delivery Format:
Physical

Language:
English

Date:
13 – 15 May

Time:
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location:
3D Printed Office, Emirates Towers, Dubai, UAE

Target Audience:
Mid career professionals in government or business, seeking to deepen their capabilities in leadership, strategy and policy making.

Fees:

AED 8,500
AED 5,700
Per Participant

COURSE OUTLINE

Day 1

Foundations and Applied Practices in Scanning and Data Interpretation for Strategic Foresight

  • Foundations of Scanning, Trend Analysis and Data interpretation
  • History of Horizon Scanning as Method
  • Evolution of Scanning in government, corporate, multilateral and civil society contexts
  • Benchmarks in global, regional and national scanning endeavors
  • Overview of Scanning and Data Interpretation methods
  • Applied Scanning Exercise – Part (Framing)
Day 2

Integrating Scanning with Decision-Making: Building Sensing Networks for Future-Oriented Governance and Corporate Strategy

  • Principles of Applied Scanning: Trends, Drivers, Wildcards and Shocks
  • Introduction and Selection of Case Studies: Future for Dubai in Public, Private or Civic issue-Areas
  • Linking Scanning to Decision Makers
  • Institutionalising Scanning
  • Building a sensing network – Scanning as a whole-of-government / corporate competence
Day 3

Strategic Scanning and Policy Development: Enhancing Decision-Making and Planning in Uncertain Environments

  • The Role of Scanning in Strategy and Policy Development
  • Planning amid uncertainty
  • Scanning in the policy and strategy cycle
  • Scanning in decision-making
  • Exploring needs-based scanning uses

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Learning Objectives

  • Foresight Integration Proficiency: Ability to integrate strategic foresight, futures thinking, and anticipatory governance into public and private sector planning.
  • Analytical and Interpretive Competence: Mastery in identifying, analysing, and interpreting global and local trends, drivers, wildcards, and shocks. Proficient use of both quantitative and qualitative data to construct foresight scenarios.
  • Ethical Leadership and Change Management: Demonstrate understanding of the dynamic interplay between various political, economic, social, technological, legal, regulatory, environmental, and value-based factors.

Learning Outcomes

  • Mastery of Environmental Scanning Techniques: Students will gain proficiency in environmental scanning, learning to systematically explore and monitor their operational landscapes for emerging trends and changes. They will develop the ability to recognize early indicators of change, discern patterns, and categorize information effectively. This skill set will enable them to identify opportunities and threats that could impact future organisational strategy and policymaking.
  • Expertise in Trends Analysis and Forecasting: Participants will be able to conduct thorough trends analysis, understanding the origin, current impact, and potential future evolution of significant trends. They will learn to use forecasting tools and methods to anticipate the trajectory of these trends, considering the interplay of various social, economic, and technological factors. The outcome will be an enhanced capacity to make informed predictions that shape strategic planning and innovation initiatives.
  • Competence in Data Interpretation for Decision Making: The course will cultivate students’ ability to interpret and synthesize complex quantitative and qualitative data into actionable insights. They will develop a nuanced understanding of data analytics, enabling them to separate signal from noise and make evidence-based decisions. With these competencies, students will be prepared to contribute to data-driven foresight and strategy development, effectively communicating their findings to influence leadership and stakeholder decisions.

AGENDA

For any support and inquiries, please contact: [email protected]