Management and Foresight: Scenario Planning and Methodological Tools

Graduates of tertiary education institutions, as well as graduates of secondary education with relevant work experience. More specifically, the program is aimed at Business Executives, Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, Salespeople, Public and Private Organization Executives, Company Leaders, Project Managers, Team Leaders, Business and Organizational Managers, NGO Executives, and Employees of public and private organizations.

The program aims to introduce the trainees to the logic of addressing the challenges of the modern era and to the philosophy of foresight in the business environment. In this direction, the concept of foresight thinking will be analyzed.

The trainees will learn to apply a systematic reasoning process for developing "scenarios," understood as possible future situations that can be achieved (or avoided) through action in the present. They will also acquire literacy in the field of Futures Studies. Each exercise in prospective analysis will be based on specific business data and will have a set of goals, functions, constraints, outcomes, and benefits. Foresight supports the creation of contingency plans for undesired but possible "futures," creating scenarios that move from prediction and insight to strategy and action. Its primary tool is scenario development, based on which possible futures are explored, and decisions are made, expanding the capabilities of individuals and businesses to plan the immediate and long-term future beyond typical strategic planning. In this context, the program allows trainees to become acquainted with Augmented Reality (AR) technology.

1 Foresight and Futures Studies – What is Foresight?

2 The Four-Step Model

3 Scenario Planning and Objective Setting

4 Alternative Design Models for Future Scenarios

5 Methodological Tools for Foresight

6 Foresight thinking – Changing the way we think about the future

In each module the elearner will have to take and submit electronically the corresponding tests, according to the timetable given by the instructor. The grading scale ranges from 0 to 100%. 
The Training Certificate is awarded when the learner receives an average grade higher than 50%.  

Online and distance training learning at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens offers a new way of combining innovative learning and training techniques with interaction with your tutor and fellow trainees from around the world.

The e-learning course is implemented via a user-friendly educational platform adjusted to the Distance Learning Principles. Courses are structured as weekly online meetings; interaction with the course tutor and other trainees takes place in a digital learning environment. The courses are designed to fit around your schedule; you access the course whenever it is convenient for you, however within the given deadlines.

The whole world becomes your classroom as e-learning can be done on laptops, tablets and phones as a very mobile method. Learning can be done on the train, on a plane or even during your trip to Greece!

The educational platform is a portal that offers access to electronic educational material based on modern distance learning technologies. The computer based nature of training means new technology is being introduced all the time to help trainees engage and learn in a tailored way that will meet their needs. E-learners have access to the educational platform with their personal code number in order to browse all relevant training material and interact with their instructors.

Moreover, an online communication system through own personal e-mail account is available in order to make the process easier and more interactive. Trainees can contact directly their tutors or the administration office of the course and share any concerns or anxieties related to the course in order to make the most of their experience.

Every week e-learners are provided with the relevant material, delivered either in the form of video-lectures, text notes and relevant presentations or as a combination of them. The educational material of the course is uploaded gradually, per educational unit. During the course, important info for the smooth conduct of the educational process, such as timetables for the submission of the exercises are announced on the Announcement section of the platform.

For successful completion of the course the e-learner should have fulfill her/his academic obligations, meaning should have submitted all corresponding assessment exercises and have achieved at least an average of 50% grade in the corresponding tests for each module. The score scale ranges from 0 to 100%. Finally, if the total score on one or more lessons of the course does not exceed 50%, trainees can ask for reassessment.

During the course trainees will be attending a training experience designed by academics and lecturers from the National University of Athens as well as from other Universities, Research Institutes and Cultural organizations around Greece.

Interactivity, flexibility and our long tradition guarantee that learning with us offers a successful and rewarding experience. Finally, access to a large variety of material and online resources available in each unit aims to excite your curiosity and guide you in exploring further your favourite topic. Part of the online material can be downloaded providing the chance to quickly refresh your memory after the completion of the course.

When will I receive the Certificate?

The Certificate will be sent to you electronically in 3 months upon completion, if you have no remaining academic or financial obligations. The Certificate will be also sent to you through traditional post services. Upon request the Certificate can be sent with the use of courier services. In this case, the relative cost should be covered by your side.