Advanced Introduction to Scenario Planning: (Elgar Advanced Introductions series)

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. Providing a panoramic overview of the evolving world of scenario planning, this Advanced Introduction uses topical case studies to analyze the developing methodologies of scenario planning. Written by Paul J.H. Schoemaker, a leading authority on the topic, this book synthesizes rigorous theory and practical experiences including best practises, normative views, and future challenges or opportunities for scenario planning. Key Features: Explains why future uncertainties require more than traditional risk analysis when ambiguous unknowns or Black Swans are involved Illustrates scenario planning through an in-depth case analysis of the biosciences which, in the wake of global pandemics, are gaining in societal import Examines how historical thinking and historiography can enrich scenarios by revisiting future projections made for South Africa post-apartheid Shows why scenario planning fosters critical and creative thinking by overcoming myopic framing, overconfidence and other biases in organizations Examines methodological and statistical techniques in scenario planning, including model building and simulations, and their connections to strategy formulation Interdisciplinary in its approach, this Advanced Introduction will prove invaluable to students and scholars of public policy, business management, and organizational studies. Its tools and practical advice will also be a vital resource to practitioners and policy leaders involved in leading or implementing scenario planning in their organizations.

Table of Contents:
Contents: 1. Introduction to scenario planning 2. What scenario planning is about PART I SETTING THE STAGE 3. A short history of scenario planning 4. Scenarios for the biosciences 5. Juxtaposing scenario narratives PART II LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD 6. Methodological perspectives and pointers 7. History, uncertainty and subjectivism 8. Links to strategy, plans and choices PART III MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES 9. Biases and practical pitfalls 10. Conclusions and future challenges Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Paul J.H. Schoemaker, University of Pennsylvania, US

Review :
‘Deep uncertainty and associated “black swan” events underscore the continued relevance of scenario planning. This book outlines how this management tool can be used to enhance a firm’s dynamic capabilities. Scenario planning builds a coherent narrative around possible futures or “states of the world.” Their delineation supports rapid decision making when crises erupts, thereby protecting stakeholders and addressing new opportunities while the competition suffers from “deer in the headlights” syndrome. Schoemaker shows the reader how scenario planning can improve decision making and organizational responsiveness in turbulent times and reminds us that there is no one recipe for scenario planning, and that management teams will improve over time as they conduct scenario planning exercises. A “must read” for practitioners and scholars trying to understand the origins of scenario planning as a tool for better strategic management.’ ‘Masterfully laid out, this engaging book provides leaders a practical toolkit to proactively navigate an increasingly uncertain world. Its scope, depth, examples and wisdom will enable students, academics and professionals from many walks of life to lead change and orchestrate success as I experienced first-hand with Paul.’ ‘A wonderful introduction to the field of scenario planning, replete with a comprehensive background history, summary of the necessary tools, and biases to be aware of when managing clients. There simply is not a better basic introductory text written in the history of scenario planning up until now. This book will sit alongside other landmark introductions to the field such as van der Heijden's Scenarios and Schwartz's The Art of the Long View. It is as useful for students new to scenario planning as for long-time academic practitioners looking for a refresher or a handy text for their clients.’ ‘A remarkably thoughtful overview of the art and science of scenario planning. No author is better equipped than Paul Schoemaker to bridge the world of practitioners and of academics.’ ‘This volume, illustrated with compelling examples, presents in a coherent way the work of the most cited scenario planning scholar. His approach in scenario planning is to inform decision-making by foreseeing possibilities early. The book covers theoretical as well as practical aspects of scenario planning which will be of interest for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.’ ‘Schoemaker's book is, simply, a tour-de-force from one of the founders of both the academic study and consultancy application of the scenario approach to improving decision making in the face of future uncertainty. In it, he covers the development and status of research endeavours that underpin growing academic and practitioner interest, in our post-Covid era.’