Course syllabus for Trendspotting and future thinking

Trendanalys och framtidstänkande

Specific entry requirements

No less than 120 credits.

Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the students should understand trend analysis as a clear, understandable, and available tool in the creation and development of a business and be able to: - Explain the concepts, trends, trend analysis and forward thinking. - Exploring the human fascination with the concept of the future and be able to outline common pitfalls in future thinking. - Investigate and develop different ways in which future thinking can be mastered. - Explore and discuss the different types of trends from macro- and mega-trends to trendy hypes and micro trends. - Reveal and develop credible sources for trend analysis.

Content

What unites different disciplines is the concept to speculate about future trends. To think about the future and what possible clues that can reveal how it will appear to unite people of all disciplines and professional fields. It is a field that is not owned by any discipline. The course aims at introducing the students to these trends, trend analysis and future thinking. In addition, the course will introduce students to the tools needed to understand trends and their role in society and how best to anticipate and work with them to create new businesses and other developments. Each lecture will focus on a tool in the trend scouts toolbox. The lecture is organised around the students' insights obtained using the tool and discussions about the applicability of these insights. These tools include, but are not limited to: 1. Visions and scenario planning 2. Blogs and blogging 3. Anthropology and sociology

Teaching methods

The course will mix lectures with debates, discussions and seminars with students as well as with market leaders in the field. Workshops and seminars are compulsory as well as some lectures. In case of absence contact the course administration for, possibly, a complementary assignment. Compulsory parts are given in the schedule.

Examination

The students' grade will be based on three factors - Assignments under and before the lectures - Active attendance and participation in the teaching and in group activities - Blogging, creation and ongoing updates A student who has failed in the regular examination, is entitled to participate in five more examinations. If the student has failed six examinations/tests, no more examination is offered/examination session. The number of times that the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session. Submission of a blank examination is regarded as an examination. An examination for which the student registered but not participated in, will not be regarded as an examination.

Transitional provisions

The examination will be provided during a period of two years after a close-down of the course. Examination may take place under a previous reading list, up to the next course occasion.

Other directives

Language of instruction is English. The course is provided in the context for Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship (SSES). Responsible department: University College of Arts, Crafts and Design