The LOGICAL FRAMEWORK Scoping the Essential Elements of a Project Dr. Suchat Katima Mekong Institute

Introduction Logical Framework (Logframe) The Logical Framework (Logframe) is a simple - but very powerful – methodology & tool to Summarize the Scope and key elements Summarize the Scope and key elements of a proposed Project in an easy-to- understand, structurally-interrelated format.

The Logical Framework Basically, a 4 & 4* Matrix to describe the Essential Elements in the Project Design, as well as for subsequent Performance Monitoring & Evaluation: * NOTE: Different organizations — such as the World Bank — have modified structural versions of the LogFrame

LOGFRAME (Generic) DESIGN SUMMARY (NARRATIVE) Performance Indicators & Targets Data Sources / Means of Verification Assumptions & Risks GOAL PURPOSE OUTPUTS ACTIVITIES INPUTS

The ADB Design & Monitoring Framework (DMF)

Logframe The Logframe is used initially for Planning & Designing Projects. Subsequently, it is the baseline reference for Progress Reporting, Monitoring & Performance Evaluation, and Briefings.

The Columns Design Summary Performance Targets & Indicators Data Sources & Reporting Mechanisms Assumptions (&/or Risks)

LOGFRAME Concepts PURPOSE Design Summary WHY DO YOU WANT TO DO THE PROJECT? WHAT IS THE DEVELOPMENT PROBLEM OR CONSTRAINT YOU HOPE TO RESOLVE? [I.e. “Widespread Illiteracy” ] WHAT “IMMEDIATE” OUTCOME DO YOU EXPECT TO ACHIEVE? [I.e. “Improved Reading Skills” ]

Developing the Project PURPOSE 1. Limit to Only One Major Objective 2. Describe the Result Expected when the Project Outputs have been Successfully Completed.

LOGFRAME Concepts Design Summary GOAL PURPOSE WHAT IS THE HIGHER LEVEL, LONGER RANGE, “VISION” TO WHICH THIS PROJECT WILL CONTRIBUTE? I.e. “Poverty Reduction, Improved Quality of Life, Economic Development, etc.,

LOGFRAME Concepts WHAT -- SPECIFICALLY -- WILL THE PROJECT PRODUCE, PROVIDE &/or LEAVE BEHIND? WHAT ARE THE “DELIVERABLES”? I.e. Infrastructure, New Policies & Procedures, Strengthened Institutions, Skilled Personnel, etc., etc. Design Summary GOAL PURPOSE OUTPUTS

LOGFRAME Concepts WHAT -- SPECIFICALLY -- IS THE PROJECT GOING TO DO? I.e. Build, Train, Equip, Develop Policy, Draft Legislation, Conduct Surveys, etc., etc. Design Summary GOAL PURPOSE ACTIVITIES OUTPUTS

LOGFRAME Concepts INPUTS Design Summary GOAL PURPOSE OUTPUTS ACTIVITIES WHAT RESOURCES DOES THE PROJECT NEED TO DO THE ACTIVITIES? I.e. Consultants, Equipment, Civil Works, Training, Funding

LOGFRAME Concepts Indicators & Targets COLUMN 2 Design Summary GOAL PURPOSE OUTPUTS ACTIVITIES INPUTS HOW WILL PERFORMANCE BE MEASURED? “Yardstick”, Units, Baseline Situation, Incremental, and End Objective Levels, and Timing? Quantitative and/or Qualitative? MEASURES SHOULD BE DIFFERENT FOR EACH LEVEL !

LOGFRAME Concepts COLUMN 2 INPUTS Indicators & Targets < Resources MEASURES SHOULD BE DIFFERENT FOR EACH LEVEL ! Money, Goods & Services, Training & People

LOGFRAME Concepts COLUMN 2 MEASURES SHOULD BE DIFFERENT FOR EACH LEVEL ! Indicators & Targets ACTIVITIES < Timing, Physical &/or Intellectual Effort

LOGFRAME Concepts COLUMN 2 MEASURES SHOULD BE DIFFERENT FOR EACH LEVEL ! Indicators & Targets OUTPUTS < Deliverable Products / Results

LOGFRAME Concepts COLUMN 2 MEASURES SHOULD BE DIFFERENT FOR EACH LEVEL ! Indicators & Targets PURPOSE < Immediate OUTCOME

LOGFRAME Concepts COLUMN 2 MEASURES SHOULD BE DIFFERENT FOR EACH LEVEL ! Indicators & Targets GOAL < Sustainable Impact

LOGFRAME Concepts COLUMN 2 MEASURES SHOULD Identify Quantity, Quality & Time i.e. “HOW MUCH” of “WHAT” and “by WHEN” Indicators & Targets

PROJECTS is be able to do “MORE / BETTER” by Improving ImprovingEFFICIENCY &/ or EFFECTIVENESS

TYPICAL INDICATORS of EFFICIENCY are REDUCED Processing Time Costs Personnel / Level of Effort Waste / Misuse of Resources

TYPICAL INDICATORS of EFFECTIVENESS are Increased Quantity Improved Quality Extended Outreach (Coverage) Improved Timeliness Response Time) Reduced Risk / Uncertainty

SMART Indicators Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Trackable A good balance should be achieved between theory and practice, i.e., between what should be and what can be measured Indicators are "yardsticks" that can be used to demonstrate that changes have (or have not) taken place. They provide meaningful and comparable information on changes.

Selection Criteria for Good Indicators Validity Affordability Reliability Simplicity Usability

Key Logframe Concepts Typical Example Reduced Poverty Sustained Economic Growth To Increase Beneficiary Coverage To Sustain Efficient /Effective Service Delivery by Ministry / Private To Improve Economic Development Strengthening Management, Policy Procedures, Draft Legislation, MIS, Privatization, Construction, Training, etc. $$,$$$,$$$ Impact Goal Outcome Purpose Outcome Purpose Outputs Development Objectives Activities WHY? Long Range: (i.e. 2015) Focus, & Timing WHAT will be DONE during &/or by Project end KEY TASKS During Project Implementation WHY? Immediate: End of Project ( i.e. 2012) RESOURCES. Before & During Implementation Power Stations, Access Roads, Dams, Transmission Networks

COMMON PROBLEMS in LogFrames All Levels Design Summary Statement at Wrong Level Goal and Purpose statements unclear Purpose often a restatement of outputs but just using different words. Very Cryptic &/or technical jargon — not easily understood by the wide variety of stakeholders No Indicators, targets or timing, and/or not able to be measured, monitored or evaluated.