Creating Creating sustainable futures/CSF103/Introduction
Strategic planning for success (CSF103) Whatever outcome you’re focused on creating - be it a building, a product, a service or a community - great design ideas are driven by starting with the end in mind. So, defining what ultimate success looks like is fundamental to the planning process.
Course metrics
Notional learning hours: 40 hours.
Duration: 2 weeks, 10 hours per week.
Assessment: 20 hours.
Formal credit option: Yes, 4 credits of a 15-credit course towards a 120-credit credential at Otago Polytechnic.
Course: One of four micro courses for Creating Sustainable Futures.
Credential: The following articulation pathways are available:
- Certificate in Sustainable Practice at Otago Polytechnic.
- MVP award: Certificate of General Studies at Thompson Rivers University (4 credits)
Level: 1st year Bachelor Degree Level.
What's it about
In this micro course you’ll learn how to develop a clear and compelling vision that integrates a serious, smart approach to sustainable practice, and that can serve as a future reference point for setting strategy and developing creative solutions.
What will I learn?
In this micro course you will:
- Gain understanding of what a vision is, and its critical importance to strategic planning processes.
- Learn the characteristics and qualities of a compelling, inspiring and powerful vision.
- Gain understanding of the benefits and advantages of backcasting .
- Learn how to frame a vision of success using the Natural Step’s four sustainability principles.
- Gain understanding of how strategic goals give life to the vision.
- Learn how to frame strategic goals that address the right challenges and opportunities.
- Learn about some common frameworks that suggest strategic priority areas for sustainable development.
What's involved?
There are 3 learning pathways each containing numerous resources and 4 learning challenges, the last one being an assessment. The learning pathways are:
- Developing a strong vision
- Identifying key challenges and opportunities
- Framing the right strategic goals
The micro-course can be completed in 40 hours, assessments included.
What prerequisites should I have, if any?
Anyone is free to participate in this course. An internet connection and basic web browsing skills are recommended with the ability to create a blog and microblog account (instructions and self-study tutorials provided.) You are requested to keep a personal learning journal as reflection has been shown to increase learning markedly.
Learners aiming to submit assessments for formal academic credit will need to meet the normal university admission requirements of the conferring institution (e.g. language proficiency and school leaving certificates). Learners aiming for the 3rd year Bachelor level are advised to have completed the majority of their 2nd year level subjects to have sufficient capability and experience for preparing assignments for 3rd year level of Bachelor study.
Each micro-course uses the knowledge gained in the previous one. The following prerequisites are recommended:
| Course | Prerequisite |
|---|---|
| CSF101 | None |
| CSF102 | CSF101 |
| CSF103 | CSF101, CSF102 |
| CSF104 | CSF101, CSF102, CSF103 |
