Scenario Thinking Practical Approaches to the Future

Presents new methods in scenario thinking, based on a mix of high-level research and top-level consultancy experience. The authors describe the logical bases of a range of scenario methods and provide detailed 'road maps' on how to implement them - together with practical examples of their application.

Acknowledgements Introduction Why should the individual and organization practice scenario thinking? Working with scenarios: introducing the basic method Incorporating stakeholder values and facilitating critique of scenario storylines Understanding stakeholder viewpoints. Augmented scenario approaches: delving deeper and stretching wider Scenarios and decision analysis Creating robust strategies and robust organizations The backward logic method of constructing extreme scenarios Diagnosing organizational receptiveness Summary Appendix 1

George Wright is currently Professor of Management at Durham Business School, University of Durham, UK. He has consulted and provided management development programmes on scenario thinking and decision making with organizations such as Bayer, EADS, Petronas, Scottish Power, Thales, United Utilities, and national and local government in the UK. He has published on scenario thinking in international journals, including Futures, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, International Journal of Forecasting, Journal of Management Studies, and Organization Studies.

George Cairns is currently Head of School of Management at RMIT University, Australia. He has worked with scenario method and delivered workshops for organizations including National Air Traffic Services, South East England Development Agency, the Facility Management Association of Australia, and the Risk Management Institution of Australasia. He has contributed to a project exploring higher education futures for Romania, funded by the European Social Fund, and has published in international journals, including Technological Forecasting and Social Change and Futures.

Both authors can be contacted by e-mail via: scenariothinkers@gmail.com