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Trends are
estimations/measurements of social, technological, economic,
environmental, and political characteristics over time. They are gradual
and long-term. Trend information may be used to describe the future,
identify emerging issues, and project future events. Trend statements
should be clearly stated, concise, and contain only one idea. Examples of
trend statements are:
- the number of computers with voice recognition software sold in the
U.S.
- the number of U.S. colleges & universities requiring computers of
entering freshmen
- the number of students 18-21 applying for admission to U.S. colleges
and universities
Trends define the context within which
organizations function. Therefore, it is important to identify critical
trends, particularly those that are emerging, forecast their future
direction, derive their implications for effective planning, and construct
plans to take advantage of the opportunities they offer or ameliorate
their consequences if they may negatively impact the institution. In trend
identification, it is important to look widely in the social,
technological, economic, environmental, and political (STEEP) sectors,
locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
We will
begin the exercise by forming into 6-8 person groups and selecting
leadership roles in each group. The roles are facilitator, flip chart
scribe, reporter, and paper hanger. We will change roles for exercises as
described below so that you may expect to have at least one role during
the workshop. No one is allowed to serve in the same role twice, except
for laptop scribe, who will record the group proceedings throughout the
workshop. Thus, you may concentrate on the discussion, and not worry about
taking notes.
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