Measuring and making the future

Welcome to the IFR (Institute for Futures Research) at the University of Stellen-bosch. The IFR is a research institution uniquely positioned to assist decision-makers and strategic planners in initiating and managing medium to long-term change. We believe a preferred future can be created if we realistically envision and understand our strengths and the nature of the obstacles to our success. The creation of a desired future also requires creative leadership, the cooperation of all stake-holders and strategic action.
Read more

Examples of some of our newsletters

Associates must login to view the most recent publications as well as the archives.
Leading Edge A two-page monthly report on developments in technology.
 
AIDSWATCH This two-page brief alternates every second month with Sustainability Watch, and deals with developments in the field of HIV/AIDS.
 
Sustainability Watch A two-page bi-monthly brief focussing on aspects of sustainability.
 
Friday At Noon A one-page weekly brief on current news events
 

Post-Graduate Diploma in Futures Studies

The MPhil programme has been revised to comply with the new accreditation of the Higher Education Quality Committee. Conditional approval has subsequently been granted by the CHE to present a Post-Graduate Diploma in Futures Studies (PG Dip), which will be launched in the 2014 academic year. Only upon completion of the Post-Graduate Diploma in Futures Studies will approved candidates be able to enrol for the MPhil in Futures Studies.

The one-year programme consists of the following six modules: Principles of futures studies; Applied systems thinking; Applied philosophy; Measuring and making the future; Understanding the world and Managing for change.

Information regarding the outcomes, structure, modules, frequency of telematic lectures, admission requirements, and costs in respect of the PG Dip will be posted within the next few weeks.  The application process will be online; this system is currently being modified and updated.


From our foresight file

Growth in telephone lines and cellular phone subscribers worldwide


Futures thinking ...

  • The future is waiting for our making, not our taking (Philip Spies)
  • The future is a realm of freedom (it is open to many possible futures, or "futuribles" (Hugues de Jouvenel)
  • It is not the strongest of species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change (Charles Darwin)
  • Nations rise and fall on their vision of the future (Joel Bakes)
  • If you can’t change direction, you will end up where you are headed (Chinese proverb)
  • The best way to predict the future is to create it (Peter F Drucker)
  • The goal in futuring is not to predict the future but to improve it (Edward Cornish)
  • For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it (African proverb)

What's Happening @ IFR

No events available Full Event Calendar »