Anticipatory action learning: conversations about the future

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present findings, based on a report for the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), of the preferred visions, scenarios and strategies of stakeholders articulated at a workshop held in Dubai from November 25 to 26, 2012. Design/methodology/approach – The “six pillars” approach to foresight was used to articulate visions of preferred futures of over 50 international stakeholders, including representatives from the UAE Government, national and international donors, the private sector and leading scientists from universities and international scientific institutions. These visions were then translated into a strategic and business plan for ICBA. Findings – The research center was successfully able to use foresight methods to develop a long-term strategic plan, continuing its history of innovation in knowledge-based research relating to saline and marginal environments. Novel visions and strategies for water and food futures were developed. A risk assessment of each vision was conducted. Research limitations/implications – This case study presents visions with scenarios and strategic pathways. It illustrates the utility in setting long-term visions first and then linking with strategic plans. Limitations include that the success of such a venture cannot be judged for at least five to six years. While in the short run, resources – human, partnerships, capital and leadership – have been mobilized, it is too soon to gauge real success of the foresight workshop, project. Practical implications – The study shows links between visions, scenarios and strategic pathways. Social implications – The study includes valuable discussions by leading scientists of water and food futures as well as the organizational and leadership capabilities required to deliver alternative futures. Originality/value – One of the few workshop-oriented interventions in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) region using the anticipatory action learning six pillars framework is included. The study contrasts normal expert-based conferencing in the MENA region.

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Beefeater Academy breeds managers of the future: The practical lessons of an action-learning scheme

CrossRef Listing of Deleted DOIs ◽

10.1108/096707303763486191 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 34-36

Keyword(s):

Action Learning ◽

Learning Scheme ◽

The Future

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Anticipatory action learning: Theory and practice

Futures ◽

10.1016/j.futures.2005.10.003 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 38 (6) ◽

pp. 656-666 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

Sohail Inayatullah

Keyword(s):

Learning Theory ◽

Action Learning ◽

Theory And Practice ◽

Anticipatory Action

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Action learning from the future.

Action learning for developing leaders and organizations: Principles, strategies, and cases. ◽

10.1037/11874-012 ◽

2009 ◽

pp. 273-283

Author(s):

Michael J. Marquardt ◽

H. Skipton Leonard ◽

Arthur M. Freedman ◽

Claudia C. Hill

Keyword(s):

Action Learning ◽

The Future

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The Future of Action Learning

Advances in Developing Human Resources ◽

10.1177/1523422310367809 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 260-279 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Deborah Waddill ◽

Shannon Banks ◽

Catherine Marsh

Keyword(s):

Action Learning ◽

The Future

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Leadership and governance in higher education 2025: can Malaysian universities meet the challenge?

foresight ◽

10.1108/fs-03-2016-0011 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 434-440 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Sohail Inayatullah ◽

Ivana Milojevic

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Action Learning ◽

Cost Savings ◽

Governance Structure ◽

Leadership Academy ◽

Content Type ◽

Causal Layered Analysis ◽

Governance In Higher Education ◽

The University ◽

Anticipatory Action

Purpose The purpose of this report is to present the findings of a five-day course for AKEPT – the Malaysian Leadership Academy in the Ministry of Higher Education. The course was held from March 24-28th, 2014, for over 50 lecturers, professors, deputy deans and deans from Malaysian universities. Design/methodology/approach Senior lecturers and professors deliberated for the first three days on the futures of higher education in Malaysia. They presented their scenarios and recommendations to the deans. The deans used these findings to articulate their own preferred futures in the last two days. The future-oriented discussions were framed by the “six pillars” futures approach (Inayatullah, 2008; Inayatullah, 2015; Inayatullah and Milojevic, 2015). Findings The core of their recommendation consisted of a move by 2025 from the current fragmented university governance structure to a streamlined consortium model. Instead of the factory, a collection of linked longhouses or “rumah panjang” was offered as a way forward. This new model would have two immediate benefits: considerable cost savings and enhanced mobility for students and professors. Research limitations/implications This case study presents scenarios and strategies. Limitations include the willingness of the Ministry to act on these recommendations. However, as this course was part of a number of foresight processes in Malaysia, even if these particular recommendations do not realize, they are steps in creating an ecology of foresight and of possible university transformation. Practical implications This study links causal layered analysis, scenarios and visions to recommendations in the context of a multi-year foresight process. Social implications The study includes valuable discussions by leading Malaysian thinkers and administrators on the futures of the university. Originality/value This was one of the few workshop-oriented interventions used the anticipatory action learning “six pillars framework”. It is especially valuable as it is the third year of futures intervention in higher education. The study contrasts with traditional expert-based forecasting in Asia.

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When the Wells Run Dry: Reimagining Azerbaijan’s Post-Oil Futures

World Futures Review ◽

10.1177/1946756720952821 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 279-290

Author(s):

Timothy E. Dolan

Keyword(s):

National Economy ◽

Fossil Fuels ◽

Action Learning ◽

Resource Curse ◽

Oil Futures ◽

Main Driver ◽

Entropic Effect ◽

Renewable Natural Resource ◽

Anticipatory Action

Azerbaijan is a case study of the issue of nations with non-renewable natural resource-based economies, usually fossil fuels, facing depletion of what was deemed to be their principal resource. Azerbaijan’s petroleum wealth has been a defining feature of its national economy, social development, and national character for 150 years. It has also manifested what is commonly known as the “resource curse” for its entropic effect on all of the other sectors of the economy. This main driver of its economy is projected to be exhausted roughly within the next 30 years. The focus of this piece is on assessing the prospects of developing a national economy that can create a more equitable and sustainable economic public benefit over the next generation. Each of the pathways summarized herein are from capstone project research reports of graduate students on this issue. It is ultimately intended to be a demonstration of conducting applied future-oriented anticipatory action learning.

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