The Logical Framework Approach. By Patrick Neil M. Santiago.
Logical Framework Approach. The Logical Framework Approach (LFA) is a powerful strategic planning and project management methodology that has a wide range of applications. It is a comprehensive set of tools for analyzing and solving planning problems, as well as designing and managing their solutions (the approach). The logframe (the matrix) is the result of this analytical approach, and it summarizes what the project intends to do and how, what the key assumptions are, and how outputs and outcomes will be monitored and evaluated..
Logical Framework Approach. A Logical framework/ logframe is majorly a Project planning tool, but is one that can also be of aid during evaluations, especially in developing key evaluation questions. It is basically a construct that shows how the components of a project/program relate in a form of hierarchy. The logical framework approach follows a hierarchical results oriented planning structure and methodology which focuses all project elements on the achievement of one project purpose..
PHASES OF LOGICAL FRAMEWORK APPROACH.
Preparatory Phase Analysis Phase Planning Phase.
Preparatory Phase. A. Determine the Focus Area: Determine the focus are to be analyzed. Study the focus area. Present results of fact finding in short report. B. Analyze Stakeholders involved: Identify all stakeholders who have a relation to the focus area. Identify what the most important stakeholders contribute to and benefit from thr focus area..
Analysis Phase. Formulate problems from point of view of the identified stakeholders. Check whether all relevant problems of stakeholders are included. Check that problems are understood. Select a tentative "starter" problem..
Planning Phase. Preparing the log frame matrix. The compilation of Objectively Verifiable Indicators. Assessment of the risk factors/assumptions. Planning of activities, and the allocation of the appropriate resources to achieve the completion of activities..
What are uses of LGF?.
LOGIC,AL s iFie ResuuTS»s-no BuDee T" oc-hL. Improving quality of project and program designs—by requiring specification of clear objectives, the use of performance indicators, and assessment of risks. Summarizing design of complex activities. Assisting the preparation of detailed operational plans. Providing objective basis for activity review, monitoring, and evaluation..
What are advantages and disadvantages?.
ADVANTAGES. Ensures that decision-makers ask fundamental questions and analyze assumptions and risks. Engages stakeholders in the planning and monitoring process. When used dynamically, it is an effective management tool to guide implementation, monitoring and evaluation..
DISADVANTAGES. If managed rigidly, affects creativity and innovation. If not updated during implementation, it can be a static tool that does not reflect changing conditions. Training and follow-up are often required. A strong focus on outcomes may miss opportunities to define and improve processes..
THE LOGICAL FRAMEWORK MATRIX.
Logical Framework Matrix. The Logical Framework, or 'Logframe,' is used primarily to improve the formulation and evaluation of development projects. It can, however, improve project implementation and management, as well as facilitate better project monitoring and evaluation. Project logic and the Logframe is applied by many development agencies and is incorporated in their project formulation approach. Most well-known are Logical Framework Analysis used by USAID and the UK Department for International Development, and ZOPP (Zielorientierte Projektplanung) used by the German agency for technical co-operation, Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)..
Logical Framework Matrix. The Logframe approach is simply a structure for specifying project components and the logical linkages between a set of means and a set of ends. It also integrates a project into the larger context of national development objectives and sector goals established by plans and programs. It is a methodical approach to defining and presenting a project's objectives, as well as indicating how those objectives will be met and identifying the major external factors that may introduce a risk of poor performance. It entails defining the project's inputs, activities, and outputs that lead to goal achievement. As a result, it helps with project design, work plan preparation, proposal evaluation, and project monitoring and evaluation..
Steps in framing the log frame matrix. Step 1. Define the overall goal to which your project contributes. -The goal is the higher-order objective that you are seeking to achieve through the project, often in combination with others. Step 2. Define the purpose/objective to be achieved by the project. -it summarizes the impact the project will have. Step 3. Define the outputs for achieving the purpose. -they are the measurable end results of the planned activities..
Steps in framing the log frame matrix. Step 4. Define the activities/inputs for achieving each output. -activities define how the team will carry out the project. Step 5. Verify the vertical logic with the If/Then Test. -in a well-planned logical framework, at the lowest levels on the logical framework we can say that if certain activities are carried out we can expect certain Outputs to result..
OBJECTIVES GOAL PURPOSE OUTCOMES INPUTS. ASSUMPTIONS AND AND AND.
Steps in framing the log frame matrix. Step 6. Define the assumptions relate to each level. -refers to conditions which could affect the progress of project, but over which project managers have no control, example: price changes, non enforcement of supporting legislations etc. Step 7. Define the Objectively Verifiable Indicator (OVI) at goal then purpose, then output, then activity/input levels. -Objectively Verifiable Indicator (OVI) are standards against which change can be measured. Step 8. Define the means/source of Verification (MOV) -describes the sources of information that will demonstrate what has been accomplished..
How do you plan using logframe approach?.
How do you plan using logframe approach?.
Narrative Summary Verifiable Indicators (OVI) Means of Verification (MOV) Important Assumptions GOAL PURPOSE OUTPUTS ACTIVITIES INPUTS.
Logical Framework Matrix. The Log Frame Matrix is a participatory planning, monitoring, and evaluation tool whose effectiveness is determined by how well it incorporates the full range of views of intended beneficiaries and others involved in program design. It is a tool for summarizing a program's key features and is best used to assist program designers and stakeholders..
LOGICAL FRAMEWORK APPROACH VS LOGICAL FRAMEWORK MATRIX.
SUMMARY OF THE LOGICAL FRAMEWORK.
Goal- the higher level objective towards which the project is expected to contribute (mention target groups). Purpose- the effect which is expected to be achieved as the result of the project. Outputs- the results that the project management should be able to guarantee (mention target groups). Activities- the activities that have to be undertaken by the project in order to produce outputs..
Project Strategy Strategic Objective Intermediate Results Outputs Activities Indicators Means/ Inputs Sources of Verification Costs Assumptions/ Risks Pre-Conditions.
Assumptions -Important events, conditions pr decisions outside the control of the project which must prevail the goal . -Important events, conditions or decisions outside control of the project management necessary for the achievement of the purpose . - Important events, conditions or decisions outside control of the project management necessary for the production of outputs . - Important events, conditions or decisions outside control of the project management necessary for the start of the project ..
Goal- measures (direct or indirect_ to verify to what extent the goal is fulfilled. Purpose-measures (direct or indirect_ to verify to what extent the purpose is fulfilled. Outputs-measures (direct or indirect_ to verify to what extent the outputs are produced. Activities (Inputs)- Goods, people and services necessary to undertake the activities..
Goal- the sources of data necessary to verify status of goal level indicators. Purpose-the sources of data necessary to verify status of purpose level indicators. Outputs-the sources of data necessary to verify status of output level indicators. Activities (Inputs)- the sources of data necessary to verify status of activity level indicators..
THE VERTICAL LOGIC: MEANS-ENDS RELATIONSHIPS.
The vertical logic: means-ends relationships. The vertical logic identifies what the project intends to do, clarifies the relationship between the project's means and ends, and specifies the uncertainties regarding both the project and the social/physical/political environment in which the project is located. To explain the vertical logic, several concepts must be considered: the hierarchy of project objectives, the causal linkages within the hierarchy, the important assumptions, and the notion of hypotheses..
Means—end chain equals logical project design. end goal ^ ^ end (means) project purpose ^ ^ end (means) outputs ^ ^ end (means) activities ^ ^ means inputs.
THE HORIZONTAL LOGIC.
The horizontal logic of the Logframe is the measurement of project results using objectively verifiable indicators (OVIs) and means of verification or data sources. The expected results at each level of the vertical logical hierarchy are specified within objectively verifiable indicators, such as:.
Objectively verifiable indicators/performance indicators Goal Long-term indicators, rarely collected by the project Purpose End of project indicators showing change/benefits to target population Output Deliverables Activities Measures performance against schedule and budget.
All indicators should be: measurable ie specify quantities, qualities, and timing sensitive to change easy to collect achievable.
The vertical logic shows what the project intends to do, the relationships between what will done and what will be achieved (the ‘means to the ends’), and it specifies the main risks and assumptions. The horizontal logic defines how progress and performance will be monitored, and the sources of information for doing this..
https://sswm.info/planning-and-programming/decision-making/planning-community/logical-framework-approach https://programs.online.american.edu/online-graduate-certificates/project-monitoring/resources/what-is-a-logframe https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/.
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