Ifgict Standards

The following guidelines for the drafting of Question texts have been agreed at the November 2003 meeting of TSAG. The guidelines are intended to ensure a high degree of consistency in layout and degree of detail in the text of Questions amongst all ITU-T Study Groups. Study Groups are requested to follow these guidelines. These guidelines are also planned to be added to other TSB guidelines for Study Groups on the ITU-T Web Site.

GUIDELINES FOR DRAFTING QUESTION TEXT

Background

Currently there is disparity in terms of layout and detail in the Questions for study in the various ITU-T Study Groups. Some Question texts are very detailed, whereas others are very broad. A detailed Question text may restrict the items to be worked on under such a Question, unless the Question text goes through the formal revision process (extra work; time consuming). On the other hand, too broad a Question text on related topics in different Study Groups can lead to duplication of work in these groups, as the work area is not sufficiently delineated. What is required is a good balance between these two extremes.

The attachment contains a set of guidelines for the drafting of new/revised Question texts.

Ideally the complete Question should not take more than 1 page and definitely not more than 2 pages. No supplementary material should be annexed to the text of Questions.

The overall guideline is: LESS IS MORE

Layout & Format for SG Questions

(Font: Times, 12)

______________

QUESTION xx/ -

(New Question) or

(Continuation of Question(s) yy/)

1 Motivation

(The background and justification for the Question including identification of past work, applications, market/business relevance, urgency, relationship to relevant work in other standards organisations, forums/consortia. A list of the major Recommendations in force at the time of approval that fall under the responsibility of the Question shall be included. Typically about 10-20 lines of text.)...