The Logical Framework Approach

The PCM is based on the Logical Framework Approach (LFA), an analytical process and set of tools used to support project planning and management. It provides a set of interlocking concepts which are used as part of an interactive process to aid structured and systematic analysis of a project or programme idea. The LFA allows information to be analysed and organized in a structured way, so that important questions can be asked, weaknesses identified and good decisions taken in the light of intended objectives and project rationale.

It is important to distinguish between the LFA, which is an analytical process involving stakeholder analysis, problem analysis, objective setting and strategy selection, and the Logical Framework Matrix, or simply Logframe, which provides the documented product of the analytical process.

The Logframe consists in a matrix with 4 columns and 4 (or more) rows which summarize the key elements of a project plan, namely:

• the project’s hierarchy of objectives (project description or intervention logic)
• the key external factors critical to the project’s success (assumptions)
• how the project’s achievements will be monitored and evaluated (indicators and sources of verification)

The intervention logic describes the project purpose, which is the final result of the project. Intermediary results lead to this purpose and activities lead to achieving the intermediate results. The project purpose contributes to the overall objective, as other interventions do. There should be only one project purpose per project. Having more than one project purpose could imply an excessively complex project, and hence possible management problems. Multiple project purposes may also indicate unclear or conflicting objectives.

Results, project purpose and overall objective should be described in an operational and measurable way: objectively verifiable indicators. Information on these achievements is mentioned in the sources of verification.

Activities are translated in operational terms: resources or means to implement activities and their costs. In the fourth column the external factors that influence the project purpose, results and overall objectives are described. Pre-conditions are those conditions that need to be fulfilled before the project starts.

The Logframe also provides the basis on which resource requirements (inputs) and costs are determined and is a core tool used within Project Cycle Management:

• It is used during the identification phase to help analyse the existing situation, investigate the relevance of the proposed project and identify potential objectives and strategies.
• During the formulation stage the LFA supports the preparation of an appropriate project plan with clear objectives, measurable results, a risk management strategy and defined levels of management responsibility.
• During the implementation phase the LFA provides a key management tool to support contracting, operational work planning and monitoring.
• During the stage of audit and evaluation the Logframe matrix provides a summary record of what was planned (objectives, indicators and key assumptions), and thus provides a basis for performance and impact assessment.

During the feasibility phase (see the section on Project Cycle Management) it is suggested that the organisation draft activity and resource schedules to assess (and later monitor) the project's means and costs. The said tools can be very helpful especially in terms of cost-benefit analysis. Please see the checklist provided by EuropeAid in the PCM Manual (2004).