Writing a Trend Story for IPMA Publications
IPMA Publications trend stories are intended to describe new trends in the field of projects and project management in a concise and comprehensive way, for practitioners, academics and all decision makers.
The writing style can be informal and story-telling narrative.
The following guidelines are advised to be followed for writing a trend story.
| Title and opening | Title should be descriptive and „catching”. Title should be followed by 2-3 “setting the stage“ or otherwise engaging sentences for the prospect audience (e.g., a key question or hypothesis) |
| Main body | What?
The main body of the story presented should be divided in 3-6 sections. It could start with framing the trend by providing some context information (e.g., history, background), describing the basis of the observations made regarding this trend and the new ‘cause-and-effect’ relationship with the possible implications for the target audience, followed by some examples, which exemplify this trend (e.g., case study, testimonial, data), offering an interpretation, a comprehensive discussion of the trend and potentially new questions, and finally providing conclusions and an outlook. The main purpose of the trend story is to show what developments are taking place in the field of projects and project management, what practitioners should be aware as they work, what academics should consider carefully during education and research, and what decision- makers should pay particular attention to. The main story line, in a reflective manner, should provide a learning opportunity for the reader. How? The story should be written as clearly as possible and be appealing to the reader. If less common terminology is used, concise explanations should follow. Visual elements, graphs, tables, or drawings may be used for a clarification; if necessary, details may also be provided in a separate box. |
| Epilogue | The concluding part of the trend story should provide in a concise manner answers to the following questions: – What are important “take-aways” or key learning insights for the reader? – Can these be generalized and applied to the reader’s situation? – What doreaders need to be prepared for or what does the trend mean for them? – Are there any first indications of how to deal with the trend or whatpotential approaches exist? How are these to be evaluated? – How will this trend continue? Is it perhaps a mega trend with fundamental implications for the field? What can the reader do in order to keep monitoring the development? |
| Formal requirements |
Length of the prepared document 3-5 pages. Please provide proof-read text. |
