Introduction to the Results Framework

What is a Results Framework? Graphic and narrative representation of a strategy for achieving a specific objective Includes the objective, necessary intermediate results (IR), and any critical assumptions Conveys the implicit development hypothesis (cause-and-effect linkages) Used as a planning, communication, and management tool

Results Level Activity Level Inputs Outputs Intermediate Results Strategic Objective Early in life of a strategic objective (SO) Later in life of SO Reaching results: the causal pathway

Causal Pathways Can Be Illustrated in a Problem Tree Social stigma & discrimination Information & services dont reach men Adverse policy environment HIV risk behavior unchecked Limited care & support services Regional prevalence increasing HIV/AIDS reducing GDP Expenditures on HIV/AIDS draining household savings HIV/AIDS threatening labor supply If then Insufficient leadership commitment

Match Problems with Solutions in Response Tree Reduce social stigma & discrimination Provide services to reach men Improve policy environment Reduce HIV risk behavior Increase care & support services Result If then Increase leadership commitment

Results Tree (Illustrative): Intermediate Results/Outcomes for One of Three Program Areas Activities ….Outputs/Outcomes…. Results Support & participation of PLWHA Human rights protected HIV transmission prevented Care & support services provided Spread of HIV/AIDS halted by 2015 and reversal begun Impact of HIV/AIDS on GDP reduced by 5% by 2008 Impact of HIV/AIDS on national savings reduced by 10% by 2008 Impact of HIV/AIDS on the labor supply reduced by 5% by 2008 Leader & service provider sensitivity and solidarity PLWHA represented on all national bodies Worksite HIV/AIDS training expanded for unions & business PLWHA support groups strengthened Implementation of legal, ethical & HR guidelines ensured Stigma & discrimination reduced Fair & safe workplace ensured

SO3 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

What is a Strategic Objective? The most ambitious result (measurable change) that an organization along with its partners can materially affect and for which it is willing to be held accountable.

An SO Reflects Four Key Concepts: Significant development result Measurable change Manageable interest Accountability

In other words, an SO is… Heart of the strategy Organizations judgment of the possible Where accountability rests Foundation for all program actions Standard for judging performance

Drafting the SO: 3 elements What are you trying to achieve (your objective)? How will you achieve your objective? How will you know if you have reached your objective?

Three Common Pitfalls Definitional linkages –SO: Strengthened Institutions –IR 1: Improved institutional capacity for delivering goods and services Categorical linkages –SO: Increased use of Primary Health Care services –IR 1: Increased use of Maternal-Child Health services –IR 2: Increased use of Family Planning/Reproductive Health services –IR 3: Increased use of HIV/AIDS services Chronological linkages –SO: Sustainable policies and strategies in health adopted –IR1: Sustainable policies and strategies developed and tested –IR 2: Sustainable policies and strategies promoted

Performance Monitoring Plan A mandatory plan and record of the performance indicators which an organization will use to track progress toward achievement of its strategic objective and intermediate results.

The PMP Management tool for implementing organization Blueprint for collecting, analyzing and reporting performance data Basis for annual reporting Auditable

3 Stages of PMP Development Stage 1: During strategy development Stage 2: Following strategic plan approval Stage 3: During strategy implementation

Elements of a PMP REQUIRED: Detailed description of indicators Source, method, schedule, and responsibility for data collection Known data limitations, significance, and actions to address limitations Data quality assessment procedures RECOMMENDED: Justification for selecting indicators Plans for data analysis, reporting, review and use Evaluations and special studies Costs of collecting, analyzing and reporting data Activity level indicators Plans for monitoring development hypothesis, critical assumptions and context