In a world defined by constant change and increasing uncertainty, the ability to anticipate the future is a critical competency for any organization seeking to maintain a competitive advantage. This training course is meticulously designed to equip leaders with the strategic mindset and practical tools to move beyond simple forecasting to a disciplined practice of strategic foresight and scenario planning. We will explore how to identify weak signals, challenge assumptions, and construct plausible future scenarios to inform a more resilient and agile strategy. This program is an essential resource for professionals who are committed to preparing their organizations for a future that has yet to be written.

This intensive five-day program moves beyond theoretical concepts to a hands-on approach, providing participants with the skills to turn foresight into a tangible strategic asset. You will learn how to facilitate a structured foresight process, interpret complex trends, and use scenarios to test the robustness of your current strategy. Through a combination of interactive case studies, expert-led discussions, and practical exercises, attendees will develop the confidence to lead strategic conversations about the future. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to act as a strategic visionary, building a resilient and dynamic organization that can thrive no matter what the future holds.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• CEOs and executive directors
• Chief Strategy Officers
• Strategic planners and policy advisors
• High-potential future leaders
• Risk managers and compliance officers
• Heads of Research and Development
• Board members and corporate secretaries
• Management consultants
• Entrepreneurs and business owners
• Government officials in economic ministries

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of strategic foresight and scenario planning
• Grasp the methodology for identifying key drivers of change
• Formulate a process for constructing plausible future scenarios
• Analyze and interpret disruptive trends and weak signals
• Develop a framework for testing the resilience of a corporate strategy
• Assess and mitigate the risks associated with future uncertainty
• Lead a team through a structured foresight and planning exercise
• Interpret the role of foresight in decision-making and innovation
• Apply lessons from global case studies to inform future strategy

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Strategic Foresight

• The distinction between forecasting, planning, and foresight
• The role of a leader in setting the foresight mindset
• The importance of a continuous learning mindset
• Understanding the key components of a foresight process
• The impact of a foresight-driven culture on performance

Module 2: Environmental Scanning

• The methodology of scanning for weak signals and emerging trends
• The importance of a broad and diverse range of information sources
• Using frameworks like STEEPLE analysis
• The role of a leader in encouraging a curious mindset
• The challenges of managing information overload

Module 3: Identifying Drivers of Change

• The process of identifying and mapping key drivers of change
• The distinction between trends, events, and constants
• The role of stakeholder analysis in understanding change
• Developing a framework for prioritizing critical uncertainties
• The importance of challenging assumptions

Module 4: Scenario Construction

• The methodology of building plausible future scenarios
• The role of a facilitator in a scenario planning workshop
• The importance of a creative and collaborative approach
• Using scenarios to tell compelling stories about the future
• The challenges of making scenarios relevant and actionable

Module 5: Strategy and Scenarios

• The role of scenarios in testing a company's strategy
• The process of identifying "robust" and "vulnerable" strategies
• Using scenarios to inform a strategic action plan
• The importance of linking foresight to decision-making
• The role of a leader in communicating the results of a scenario exercise

Module 6: Innovation and Foresight

• The role of foresight in driving innovation
• Using scenarios to identify new business opportunities
• The importance of a leader in managing an innovation portfolio
• The impact of foresight on product development and market entry
• The strategic implications of disruptive technologies

Module 7: Organizational Integration

• The challenges of integrating foresight into an organization
• The role of a leader in embedding foresight into daily operations
• The importance of a regular review and feedback loop
• Building a foresight team and network of experts
• The strategic implications of a future-ready culture

Module 8: Risk Management and Foresight

• The role of foresight in identifying emerging risks
• The importance of a leader in anticipating black swan events
• Developing a framework for risk mitigation in a future context
• Using scenarios to inform a contingency plan
• The importance of a leader in managing uncertainty with confidence

Module 9: The Leader's Role as a Futurist

• The importance of a leader as a strategic visionary
• The role of a leader in communicating and inspiring
• The need for continuous learning and adaptation
• Building a strong foresight team
• A strategic roadmap for your leadership journey

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.