Planning is a process of defining goals and identifying means and methods to achieve them, effective and relevant to future operating conditions, and therefore a diagnosis of a current situation, design and choice of goals, and ways to reach them. The main substance of this publication is to present research methods (methods of prediction) relating to the creation of the future of an organisation, especially a political organisation, or a country. They are: strategic planning and strategic review. In addition, the problems relating directly to the above methods such as limits to grand strategy, the Black Swan effect, the Tsunami effect, and the arguments against normative methods will be presented.

New distance learning technologies are not necessarily better for learning than old methods. Consequently, choice of learning method should be related to course content and students' needs. In this context, a hybrid distance learning model is imperative. This paper is based on the authors' personal and practical teaching experience with distance learning over 30 years, i.e. since 1972. The authors use their knowledge of distance learning and distance learning technologies - combined with their considerable experience of education in different types of higher education institutions - to analyse and reflect on the current vogue of distance learning and elearning. Using an argumentative research approach, the authors draw upon data collected from their personal experiences of distance learning in the UK. In addition, the paper surveys current literature and distance learning activities outside the UK, in particular in the USA.