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Futures research has lived up to Wells’ prediction by becoming a legitimate scholarly discipline. In this paper, we explore the role of science fiction in creating prototypes of imagined and better futures evident in these narratives even when they are distinct from the futures they predict. We explore the contributions and warnings of utopian and dystopian stories to the development and the specific realisation of future business visions. By drawing on Mannermaa's framework, a selection of science fiction writings, and the description of sources for innovations, we are able to examine the impact of prototyping on business management. Within this paper we describe scenarios as the mechanisms that test strategic direction while the prototype offers a mechanism for the analysis of business vision. We explore the synergy that exists between creative fiction authors and futurologists, discussing the predictive elements and the source of inspirations for innovators. We argue that while business futurologists appear to offer pedestrian “predictions” and future models, the most impact is achieved with views of the future that are presented as prototypical stories; stories that plant a seed that germinates and comes to fruition in a more distant future.

In this study, we develop a theorisation of an internet dating site as a cultural artifact. The site, Gaydar, is targeted at gay men. We argue that contemporary received representations of their sexuality figure heavily in the site's focus by providing a cultural logic for the apparent ad hoc development trajectories of its varied commercial and non-commercial services. More specifically, we suggest that the growing sets of services related to the website are heavily enmeshed within current social practices and meanings. These practices and meanings are, in turn, shaped by the interactions and preferences of a variety of diverse groups involved in what is routinely seen within the mainstream literature as a singularly specific sexuality and cultural project. Thus, we attend to two areas-the influence of the various social engagements associated with Gaydar together with the further extension of its trajectory 'beyond the web'. Through the case of Gaydar, we contribute a study that recognises the need for attention to sexuality in information systems research and one which illustrates sexuality as a pivotal aspect of culture. We also draw from anthropology to theorise ICTs as cultural artifacts and provide insights into the contemporary phenomena of ICT enabled social networking.

Defined Benefit (DB) pension risk management has traditionally focused on achieving a balance between the risks associated with the liabilities and the expected returns on investments. This approach does not capture the fact that a DB pension plan is part of running an overall business and must compete for capital against alternative investments the corporation can make. Pension funding strategies should be assessed against other corporate cash uses and strategies, such as investment in productive capacity, research and development initiatives, share or debt buybacks, or potential acquisitions. Considering pension funding relative to potential corporate actions within the same net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) or similar analytical framework, a company can optimise the use of available cash resources and balance alternative strategies against each other.