Tips for Writing a Case Story
Document 2 of 2 When writing a case story we encourage you to:
Approach the SSC experience from a (self-) critical perspective: From a constructive perspective, the case stories should outline both good and bad experiences of SSC in the context of aid effectiveness. Areas of improvement are critical to the learning process, while “marketing” should be avoided. This will help to guide a more open-minded and problem-focused decision-making on global policies of SSC in the context of aid effectiveness.
Use illustrative writing: Based on facts and perceptions, the processes, moments and steps taken in each of Case Story should be outlined clearly and in a straightforward manner, in line with the key questions for each section (see below). The Case Studies should contribute a sharp image of how SSC interacts with the aid effectiveness agenda in a specific context. In this sense, it should be avoided to take a position or enter into justifications of how SSC should or should not be. Rather, the Case Stories are expected to describe and explain with clear examples the synergies and comparative advantages (or disadvantages) of SSC with the aid effectiveness agenda.
Tell the story of both sides: Those writing Case Stories are strongly encouraged to address the perceptions and perspectives of the provider and the recipient of SSC in a balanced way to the extent possible. With a critical approach, the visions of both sides should be clearly outlined, including a description of the possible frictions and tensions with respect to the key questions.
Explain the process: The process-rich character of SSC – and its decision-making - is of specific relevance for the Case Stories since this might enhance the understanding of the underlying roles, incentives and interests of all involved stakeholders (in particular, the national governments of the provider and the recipient).
Consider the context: SSC does not take place in a vacuum, but is related to the overall processes of development and aid (policies and coordination) at both the provider and the recipient side. The Case Stories should take into account the broader environment of SSC in general and the specific expressions of aid effectiveness at the recipient country level in particular.
Be clear and concise: The Case Stories are expected to be brief documents of less than 2000 words with summarized content in order to stimulate interest, facilitate learning and encourage follow-up. Writers should condense their complex stories in a clear and concise way.