MN5502 Scenario Thinking and Strategy
Academic year
2025 to 2026 Semester 1
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
15
SCQF level
SCQF level 11
Availability restrictions
Option module available to students enrolled on the MLItt/MSc Programmes in International Business, Marketing and Management, Entrepreneurship and Finance and Management. (not available to the MSc Finance, the MSc Banking and Finance, the MSc Economics and Finance and the MSc Economics.)
Planned timetable
Three hour weekly seminars to include both lecture and tutorial content (11 weeks)
Module Staff
Dr Anna Brown
Module description
The aim of the module is to use the scenario process to understand how individuals can engage with uncertainty in operating environments in order to develop creative and robust strategies. The module makes use of the scenario process to integrate a number of important organisational development concepts that help to provide organisations with future vision and adaptability: organisational learning; storytelling, dynamic capabilities; and reflexive practices. The module content is centred around participative learning, through which small groups work together to develop a scenario planning project.
Assessment pattern
100% coursework
Re-assessment
100% coursework
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
Lecture, seminar (3 hrs x 10 weeks).
Scheduled learning hours
30
Guided independent study hours
120
Intended learning outcomes
- Understand the benefits and limitations of scenario planning as a strategic tool
- Evaluate the strategic implications of scenario narratives in the context of a specific organisation
- Demonstrate the ability to construct scenario narratives
- Collect, interpret, and synthesise qualitative and quantitative data sets
- Communicate complex information in a captivating and engaging way through written and verbal presentation
- Engage in critical reflexive thinking
MN5502 Critical Futures for a More Sustainable World
Academic year
2026 to 2027 Semester 1
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
15
SCQF level
SCQF level 11
Availability restrictions
Option module available to students enrolled on the MSc Programmes in International Business, Marketing and Management, Entrepreneurship and Finance and Management. (not available to the MSc Finance, the MSc Banking and Finance, the MSc Economics and Finance and the MSc Economics.)
Planned timetable
Three hour weekly seminars to include both lecture and tutorial content (11 weeks)
Module Staff
Dr Anna Brown
Module description
Critical Futures explores how organisational actors can influence individual, organisational, and systemic change in pursuit of a more inclusive, sustainable world. Drawing on a range of futures methodologies, students will be supported to vision alternative versions of the future that challenge core assumptions about how tomorrow could look. In so doing, students will gain a deep understanding of the system within which we are presently operating and will be encouraged to challenge 'business as usual' thinking. Students will consider how these alternate worlds can help inform and galvanise change both in organisations and at a societal level. Central to the module is an emphasis on creative and critical thinking skills alongside the development of a futures literacy that will support students to manage uncertainty.
Assessment pattern
100% coursework
Re-assessment
100% coursework
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
3 hour lecture x 10 weeks
Scheduled learning hours
30
Guided independent study hours
120
Intended learning outcomes
- Appraise the contextual conditions in which contemporary organisations operate
- Apply appropriate futures methodologies to specific organisational contexts
- Compose compelling and plausible futures narratives
- Articulate the implications of alternative futures for organisational and/or system change