Sohail Inayatullah

Why use future-oriented planning instead of problem-solving?

Is Anticipatory action learning the best way of forecast and transform the

Future?

Why are strategic planning and strategic visioning inappropriate and

 ineffective in creating alternative futures?

What are the latest trends in Futures Studies?

What are the limits to scenario planning?

How can causal layered analysis unveil the future?  

These and other questions on the nature of futures planning are explored in this manual.  

Questioning the Future is a practical workbook for the manager or social activist who desires to use the future to transform organizations.   

Futures Studies is linked to action learning and planning theory.  

Chapters focus on a variety of topics including: (1) the futures of futures studies; (2) Case studies in Scenario Planning and Visioning; (3) New Methodologies, such as Nuts and Bolts and Causal Layered Analysis; and, Questions and Answers for the Busy Associate, an imaginary conversation with a bottom-line oriented executive.  

Over 40 pages of appendices provide bullet point illustrations of approaches and methods in Futures Studies.  

In manual form, available directly from the author for $25AUD. Email: s.inayatullah@qut.edu.au, sohail@mail.tku.edu.tw or sinayatullah@hotmail.com. Or mail: Sohail Inayatullah, 29 Meta Street, Mooloolaba, 4557, Queensland.  

In published form, available October 2001 from Tamkang University Press for $35Aud and directly from the author.  Tamkang University, Center for Futures Studies, 151 Ying-Chuan Road, Tamsui, Taiwan, 251.