Publication

K4D Helpdesk Report

Scenario thinking and usage among development actors

Published on 18 October 2017

Scenario thinking is a strategic planning method that organisations use to make flexible long-term plans. Recent discussions of this method offered by the Foresight Horizon Scanning Centre (2009) define scenario thinking (they refer to it as scenario planning) as ‘a futures technique for medium to long-term strategic analysis and planning used to develop policies and strategies that are robust, resilient, flexible and innovative’. This five day help desk review provides an overview of academic, policy and practitioner literature that examines scenario thinking. Whilst there exists’ a broad consensus that scenario thinking can play a useful role in developing organisational strategies, there is debate as to which scenario thinking approach is most appropriate, and how to avoid a number of common pitfalls associated with the use of scenarios. It is important to highlight that the term ‘scenarios’ has a broad application, receiving different levels of attention from various academic, policy and practitioner communities.

Cite this publication

Avis, W. (2017). Scenario thinking and usage among development actors. K4D Helpdesk Report 221. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies.

Publication details

published by
Institute of Development Studies
authors
Avis, William
language
English

Share

Related content

Brief

Rapid Scoping Review 2025: Türkiye

Countering Rollback Country Brief

16 April 2025

Brief

Rapid Scoping Review 2025: Pakistan

Countering Rollback Country Brief

16 April 2025

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.