The types and formats of the items included in the library and training and learning centre are defined as follows:
Types:
- Discussion – a general descriptive, analytical or normative discussion on a specific topic or set of topics; includes case illustrations, frameworks, etc.
- Tool – a practical step-by-step guide on how to execute a particular activity, such as analysing a market or calculating margin distributions.
- Case study – a detailed analysis of a specific value chain (at least ten pages long).
- Case illustration – a brief analysis of a specific value chain (fewer than ten pages long).
- Data – an organized set of quantitative data.
- Learning material – an item intended primarily for self-learning or to engage others in a learning process, such as a training manual.
Format:
- Document – a text of more than four pages.
- Brief – a text of four or fewer pages.
- Presentation – a set of static, non-interactive slides.
- Database – an electronically preserved collection of data that can be searched.
- Audio/video – playable, non-interactive recorded material.
- Software – an interactive electronic program such as a spreadsheet.
- Online material – a Web site.
Level suitability (applies to material for the Training and Learning Centre [TLC] only):
- Introductory: This type of material is generally intended for entry-level practitioners (with less than three years of experience in value chain development). Materials are based on fundamental principles or concepts that are fairly well known and are regularly applied in the development community. Although this material is tailored to the introductory level, experienced value chain practitioners may use it as a refresher or to prepare for more advanced training.
- Intermediate: This type of material contains slightly more difficult concepts and targets more experienced practitioners than the introductory materials do. The pace of the training and the difficulty of the concepts presented require more advanced knowledge and skills in FVC development. Examples used are often based on recent research and case studies that are relatively complex in nature. A good working knowledge of using the value chain approach is important for successful use of this material.
- Advanced: This type of material is devoted to highly advanced concepts and new tools related to sustainable FVC development. The pace and level of difficulty of the material presented require well-rounded knowledge, ability and experience in value chain development.