The book presents the concept of "prospective", the french-inspired approach to futures studies, which is then related to the current range of planning techniques by setting out how companies and other organizations may install the necessary strategic management processes in study groups and planning departments. Readers are exhorted and guided to "think against the trend".
The best-selling Frech edition of this book won the 1985 "Grand Prix Harvard L'Expansion", awarded by a committee of French Managers who have graduated from Harvard Business School.