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On 2–3/6/2011, Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations held a training course on Futures Studies at its headquarters in Beirut. About 20 members attended the two-day course which was facilitated by Prof. Dr. Walid ‘Abd al-Hay.

The world-known specialist in futures studies introduced the trainees to the fundamentals of futures studies, their methodologies and techniques, and these included:

First: Normative or Prescriptive Methods

1) Brainstorming.
2) Causal Layered Analysis (CLA).
3) Backcasting.
4) Scenario.

Second: Quantitative or Descriptive Methods

1) Delphi Method.
2) Futures Wheel.
3) Cross Impact Matrix.
4) Envelope Curve.
5) Relevance Tree.
6) Projection.
7) Technological Forecasting.
8) Content Analysis.
9) Simulations and Games.

The course explored some futures case studies to explain the methodologies and mechanisms used; Determination of the subject and its time frame, measurement of indicators, accumulation and analysis of data, and final decision-making.

The course facilitated the active interaction of participants, which included workshops that teach the application of various methods.

Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations, Beirut, 6/6/2011