Q: Is the LogFrame is the right tool for managing most NGO work? A: Not as it is used. We could do better, with better tools

11th June 2009Rick Davies at BOND2 Caveats Criticism here is of LogFrames only,Criticism here is of LogFrames only, One member of a wider family of logic modelsOne member of a wider family of logic models The LogFrame has mutated into many formsThe LogFrame has mutated into many forms There is no one pure modelThere is no one pure model My concern is with finding better alternativesMy concern is with finding better alternatives Which are “inter-operative”Which are “inter-operative” My evidence: M&E consultancy >1990, plusMy evidence: M&E consultancy >1990, plus 3 UNICEF and 1 GTZ project in Indonesia, 3 DFID funded, 1 AusAID funded, UNICEF and 1 GTZ project in Indonesia, 3 DFID funded, 1 AusAID funded,

11th June 2009Rick Davies at BOND3 1. Criticisms of the structure Use of time as the main axis presents three problemsUse of time as the main axis presents three problems Artificial, abstract, confusing distinctions between points in time (A>O>P>G), where none exist in realityArtificial, abstract, confusing distinctions between points in time (A>O>P>G), where none exist in reality No feedback loops (these are not possible, because time cant go backwards)No feedback loops (these are not possible, because time cant go backwards) Complex linkages between row events are left out, even if a Problem Tree Analysis was done beforeComplex linkages between row events are left out, even if a Problem Tree Analysis was done before Four rows only, and often only two are usedFour rows only, and often only two are used

11th June 2009Rick Davies at BOND4 2. Criticisms of how they are used Goals that are generalisations of lower level events, rather than describe their resultsGoals that are generalisations of lower level events, rather than describe their results Long, complex, unreadable sentences, in the narrative column, trying to say too muchLong, complex, unreadable sentences, in the narrative column, trying to say too much A story line that is impossible to followA story line that is impossible to follow Frequent absence of references to who is involved, and too many descriptions of abstract change processesFrequent absence of references to who is involved, and too many descriptions of abstract change processes Overly simple indicators used to describe complex developmentsOverly simple indicators used to describe complex developments

11th June 2009Rick Davies at BOND5 3. Wider usage issues Accountability and Learning issuesAccountability and Learning issues Excessive focus on horizontal logic. Even more so in the new DFID LogFrame layoutExcessive focus on horizontal logic. Even more so in the new DFID LogFrame layout Opportunities come from explicating and testing the Theory-of-Change (vertical logic). But who is interested?Opportunities come from explicating and testing the Theory-of-Change (vertical logic). But who is interested? Introduction of weighting of outputs in DFID ARs is a positive development!Introduction of weighting of outputs in DFID ARs is a positive development!

11th June 2009Rick Davies at BOND6 A healthy mutation…? Develop a Social Framework, whereDevelop a Social Framework, where Each row describes a type of actorEach row describes a type of actor The sequence of rows describes a chain of actors, forming a pathway along which influence takes placeThe sequence of rows describes a chain of actors, forming a pathway along which influence takes place Assumptions column can describe how these actors are influenced by a wider network of actors surrounding themAssumptions column can describe how these actors are influenced by a wider network of actors surrounding them

11th June 2009Rick Davies at BOND7 Advantages Who is involved and responsible at each level is clear. This enables participationWho is involved and responsible at each level is clear. This enables participation Two way influence process is built inTwo way influence process is built in What matters is the functioning of the whole chain (= distributed accountability)What matters is the functioning of the whole chain (= distributed accountability) Relationships between two levels can be magnified to show detail, by related toolsRelationships between two levels can be magnified to show detail, by related tools

11th June 2009Rick Davies at BOND8 Sources “The Logical Framework: A list of useful documents”“The Logical Framework: A list of useful documents” “The Social Framework as an alternative to the Logical Framework”“The Social Framework as an alternative to the Logical Framework” This PowerPoint: See “BOND Debate”This PowerPoint: See “BOND Debate” All at:

11th June 2009Rick Davies at BOND9 Example Social Framework Forest communities OVIMOVAssumptions A Government Other CSOs In-country partner UK NGO