John Ratcliffe - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by John Ratcliffe

The Rise and Rise of the Global Corporation The future of our planet is in question. Rapid econom... more The Rise and Rise of the Global Corporation The future of our planet is in question. Rapid economic growth, unleashed by capitalism, has fundamentally changed the way we live. Over the past 200 years we have witnessed revolutionary transformations in technology, demography, human culture and the environment (Ratcliffe et al, 2005). The last three decades, in particular, have been characterised by accelerated change, brought about by the process of globalisation, and the emergence of innovative technologies. We are living in an era of high reward, but also of high risk. Our global society is a place where violence, poverty, inequality, prejudice, illiteracy and racial and religious hatred exist (Saunders, 1995). Where flash floods, forest fires and droughts abound as global temperatures rise. And where overpopulation and declining natural resources are all but threatening the delicate ecological balance of our planet. Global corporations, seen by many as the villains of modern times, have come under intense scrutiny in recent years, following highly publicised corruption scandals such as Enron, Parmalat, WorldCom and many more. Today, corporations command greater resources and exercise greater power than any other type of organisation. Large corporations are the biggest contributors to political parties. They create and fund thinktanks and other research groups that shape the direction of public policy. Through ownership of mass media, corporations have a powerful impact on public opinion and popular consciousness. The future of our planet, it seems, is in the hands of the global corporation. The question is: will corporations recognise the strategic importance of sustainability in the world's future and in their own future, or will they carry on business as usual, perpetuating poverty, environmental degradation and social decay? (Lazlo, 2003) 1.1 Sustainability and CRB The concept of sustainability implies a long-term intergenerational focus. By looking ahead to conserve natural resources, mitigate global warming, or contribute to social development, it is arguably the best way to avoid surprises and crises, most of which are likely to have huge economic costs. Taking responsibility for the impacts of business on society and the physical environment would ultimately be self-serving as well as beneficial for humankind (Fuller, 2005). While advocates of corporate social responsibility might suggest that we are well on the way to achieving such a 'win-win' situation, in reality we are a long way from this point. For, responsibility is not just about the present, it is also about assuming responsibility now for future footprints. 'We need to imagine ahead-and plan backwards' (Ratcliffe, 2003). For this to happen, a new mindset is required by corporate organisations to anticipate and prepare for the future, a mindset that embraces individualism, collaboration and innovation, a mindset that addresses societal and environmental, as well as economic imperatives. Above all, however, a mindset that can tackle complexity, uncertainty and change (ibid). For

Fennia-International Journal of Geography, 2010

In recent years, cities and urban regions have been increasingly applying various forms of strate... more In recent years, cities and urban regions have been increasingly applying various forms of strategic planning and future-oriented approaches in order to respond to the challenges posed by contemporary change, competition between cities, a sustainability agenda, the transformation of urban ...

Property Management, 2000

The scenario method has been widely used by decision makers in business, industry and government ... more The scenario method has been widely used by decision makers in business, industry and government for over 30 years as an unrivalled technique to learn about the future before it happens. This paper examines the principles, practice and pitfalls of scenario building with the prime aim of presenting the technique as one singularly relevant to the study of future property investment, development and management decisions and land use policy formulation. The origins of the approach from its military‐based beginnings, through the popularised global environmental applications to the current widescale use by industry and commerce are traced. Some definitions are advanced to demonstrate the multi‐various nature of the method, and different types of scenario identified to show their adaptability and agility. The general purpose of the technique as a learning mechanism for organizations is explored, and the step‐by‐step process of scenario building specifically analysed. Conclusions are drawn ...

The Context Scenario Planning is fast becoming one of the most popul(lr and persuasive tcchniques... more The Context Scenario Planning is fast becoming one of the most popul(lr and persuasive tcchniques, used in strategic plan ni ng and foresighting cxercises of aU kinds in both public and private sectors, It is likely that the approach will playa more prominent role in helping organisations and agencies from all parts of the economy, governance and society in Ireland think, talk, act and plan d ifferent ly collaboralively and creatively ovcr the next few years. Whi lst the field of urban studies has been slow to recognise and adopt a 'futures' approach using techniques such as scenario planning this is starting to change.

Scenarios of Irish energy CO2 to 2020

Urban policy and regeneration

Urban Planning And Real Estate Development

Development Valuations and Viability Studies

It is exactly forty years since I embarked on a career in higher education, interspersed by sever... more It is exactly forty years since I embarked on a career in higher education, interspersed by several refreshing periods in consultancy, and pursued across a number of different parts of the world. When, in reflective mode, I view what has happened during that time, what is occurring now and what lies ahead, I find myself torn in two quite opposing directions. One, the inveterate reactionary, where I yearn for a return to the overriding principle that universities and their like have a primary responsibility towards identifying, promoting, disseminating, protecting, and monitoring a preferred set of pre-eminent values which will govern attitudes and guide actions in society. Echoing Eliot's plaintive cry "Where is the wisdom we have lost in the knowledge", I bemoan the stultifying corporate managerialism that besets the modern university level institution, where yesterday's models, mindsets and methods are harnessed to tackle today's turmoils and prepare us for tomorrow's complex challenges. The other, the radical futurist who sees the role of the university as confronting the current accelerating pace of change across all sectors of society, with a futures orientation that provides leadership through holism, integration, and multidisciplinary , task-based organisation, resulting in creative and innovative problem solving and decision-making. In this way, it should be possible to move from the present era of information and regulation, through one of knowledge and awareness, ultimately to one of wisdom and responsibility. High hopes. Anyway, to clarify my own thinking, stimulate that of my colleagues in The Futures Academy and support the strategic thinking and planning by DIT for the development of the Grangegorman Campus this document was commissioned. My thanks for its publication lie first with Arlene Finn, the research officer responsible for most of the work, my colleague Dr. Lorcan Sirr for bringing the products to publication, Mr Lloyd Scott for his pedagogical insights and input, and finally to Professor Brian Norton, President of DIT for his fund of ideas-and his idea for funds.

Generating policy proposals and suggestions for action Development of indicators to measure progr... more Generating policy proposals and suggestions for action Development of indicators to measure progress Identification of bodies responsible for action Formulation of the problem / strategic question

The Global City 2030

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Specialist town planning controls

From Corporate Social Responsibility to Corporate responsible Behaviour: A Futures Approach

This paper argues that urban planners and policy-makers lack an effective future-oriented approac... more This paper argues that urban planners and policy-makers lack an effective future-oriented approach enabling them to comprehend current complexity, anticipate impending change and shape a preferred future condition. In doing so it: reviews the performance of contemporary city planning; examines the need to chart and navigate the city technosphere by reference to city capital; explores ways in which planning can benefit from a futures studies approach; describes generally how futures-oriented thinking can produce effective city prospective; and, poses specifically a number of questions regarding the concept of the ‘intelligent city’. The paper concludes by calling for the formulation of a Unified Theory for Sustainable Cities by reference to Gaia and the application of futures-oriented technology assessment. Seville September 2006

Building Better Cities : Four Pillars for Success

Property futures—the art and science of strategic foresight

Journal of Property Investment & Finance

PurposeThe study aims to discuss the role of strategic foresight in determining and mapping possi... more PurposeThe study aims to discuss the role of strategic foresight in determining and mapping possible property futures. In particular, the briefing will explore the importance of determining alternative futures and creating scenarios to help determine a flexible and adaptable strategy.Design/methodology/approachThis education briefing is an overview of property futures and strategic foresight.FindingsThis is an education briefing of existing knowledge.Practical implicationsStrategic foresight provides a framework and structure by identifying a focal point that looks at alternative futures and a preferred future that feed into the implementation of a strategic plan.Originality/valueThis is a review of existing models.

The Valuation of Development Properties

Journal of Property Valuation and Investment, 1983

The Adoption of the BID Model in Ireland

Public Administration and Public Policy, 2008