Program Curriculum
Businesses are facing increasingly complex challenges related to externalities impacting, or potentially affecting, all aspects of activity. Supply chain reliability, evolving regulations, volatile energy prices, changing consumer values, new reporting requirements are just a few of the many issues being impacted by the dynamic mix of environmental, social, and economic factors confronting enterprises of all scales. More deeply understanding the many drivers and associated responses to them is essential to effectively navigating the future. Foresight NEXT provides participants with a broad foundation of knowledge drawn from the experience of leading practitioners and complemented by readings, discussions, guest speakers and a concluding project.
Intended as a rigorous introduction that could subsequently be taken in any number of directions, NEXT builds the necessary literacy for professionals to engage in the type of integrated thinking required to effectively incorporate these issues into their work, regardless of their specific department. To this end, the curriculum cuts across topic and function areas, as well as introduces skills and resources to enhance professional development.
Site Visits to Corporate Sustainability Leaders
NEXT is built around six day-long site visits, each providing an overview of the range of sustainability activities in which the firm is engaged, as well as particular focus on one to two areas in which they have particularly excelled. Playing to the strengths of each entity, the format will vary, but will strive to provide an interactive experience that allows the opportunity for questions and discussion. Generally, half of the time will be spent with the company's sustainability leadership and members of their staff. The other portion of the day will include a combination of facility tours, group discussions, case studies, and guest speakers, either in person or via videoconference. Participating companies will be encouraged to invite their employees to some of these sessions to take part in the learning and to foster a dynamic exchange with all involved. As much as possible, trips will be scheduled between 9am-5pm. Lunch and transportation from downtown Chicago will be provided.
Context Sessions
The seven evening sessions provide crucially important context for the site visits, and allow a chance to delve into readings, current events, and related issues they may be facing in their respective corporations. A highly interactive environment will be maintained throughout, with informed, well-directed discussions. Participants will be expected to be prepared and involved, drawing upon their own experience, knowledge, and observations to contribute to an engaging and exceedingly participatory environment. Depending on scheduling constraints, guest speakers may be also be included in these sessions. They will be held in a central location in downtown Chicago and last 3 hours.
Concluding Project
In order to assimilate and apply the knowledge being accumulated during the course of the program, Fellows will devise manageable, individual or small group projects in conjunction with the program leaders that will be shared at the last evening session. Participants will be encouraged to select topics that are relevant to their area of interest or responsibility, or that will provide a chance to delve into a new area that is of particular interest. Drawing upon the program's formidable Steering Committee, as well as Foresight's wealth of resources, NEXT facilitators will provide direction, information, and relevant connections to empower Fellows to realize their project's full potential. Projects will be appropriately scaled to require approximately 4-5 hours of work each month, with additional time probably needed toward the end to prepare for completion.
Resources
An astutely selected collection of background materials and readings will be provided at the start of the program. In order to accommodate a range of media, the complete course packet will be installed on iPad's that will be given to each Fellow. Additional resources published after the start of the session will be forwarded in order to maintain the most updated information possible, as well as to spur conversation about current relevant developments in this quickly evolving sector.
Important Note: Foresight NEXT is conducted with strict confidentiality. Discussions involving Fellows' companies and guest companies are treated as private and proprietary.