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Logical Framework A tool for action planning

Overview of Topics
What is LFA? Basic component and steps in LFA Preparation phase:
1. Stakeholder analysis

Analysis phase:
2. Problem analysis 3. Objective analysis 4. Alternative analysis

Planning phase:
5. 6. 7. 8. Intervention logic Assumption Indicator and mean of verification Input
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Logical Framework Approach

LFA has developed in three stages:
initially a tool for a standardised presentation of projects. LFA descriptive of nature developed in the 70ies into a tool for improved design of projects to make projects more successful. LFA became analytical of nature now LFA has expanded to a tool for improved design, implementation and management of projects. Analytical aspects maintained but strong focus on communication aspects

Modern LFA is
a tool for managing development or change processes in a logic way a way of analysing and structuring complex problems a way of creating commitment, participation and flexibility
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Preparation phase: Step 1: Stakeholder Analysis

Entity setting( selection of topic, target group, location, sector) Identify any persons, groups, institutions affected by the problem context Categorise them, for example, in interest groups, individuals etc. Define most important interests Define most important groups Analyse in more details
Main problems affecting the group Main needs and interests Conflicts of interest, co-operation etc.

Decide who are most important stakeholders

Stakeholder Participation
Involve stakeholders to the extent possible For example - conduct a workshop with participation of stakeholders
The workshop should be undertaken in the project area It shall include representatives of all stakeholders It shall be facilitated by an independent moderator

Results
The participation analysis serves to map the following:
Who depends on the project? Who are interested in the outcome? Who will influence the project? Who will be affected by the project? Who will work against the project?

Policy concern analysis Uncertainties and high risk areas?

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Analysis phase: Step 2: Problem Analysis

Based upon available information the existing situation is analysed: major problems are identified and main causal relationships are visualised in a problem tree. Guidelines:
Identify existing problems - not possible, imagined or future problems A problem is not the absence of a solution, but an existing negative state

Problem Analysis: Guidance

Identify major existing problems based on available information Construct a problem tree showing cause-andeffect relationships between the problems Review the problem tree for completeness and validity and adjust if necessary

Example: Problem Tree

Analysis phase: Step 3: Objectives analysis

Guidance:
1. Reformulate all elements in the problem tree to positive desirable situations 2. Review the resulting means-to-an-end relationships to assure validity and completeness 3. If necessary
1. revise statements 2. delete objectives which are unrealistic 3. add new objectives

4. Draw the connecting lines to indicate means-to-an-end relationships

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Example of Objectives Tree :

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Analysis phase: Step 4: Alternative analysis

Guidance: Draw clusters of objectives on objective tree basing on their features( issue, relation to target group, stakeholder, ) Name clusters Brainstorm on analysis criteria Establish an alternative analysis matrix Selecting alternative by scoring
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Example of criteria for alternative analysis

- Ownership and commitment
Cost in relation to benefit. Expected cost-benefit ratios can sometimes be calculated Conflict potential Time horizon Chance of success Environmental impact Gender issues
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Example of alternative analysis

Option 1 is limited to a training programme. The chance of success is low if the buses are still in bad condition. Option 2 is more expensive, and there is no guarantee that the result will be positive unless the drivers also improve. A third option would be to combine option 1 and option 2. It would be the most expensive alternative, but has a higher probability of success.
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Example of Alternative analysis

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Planning phase: Step 5: Designing project Intervention logic

The main elements of project intervention logic are:
The overall objective (directional) The project purpose The project outputs (or results) The activities

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Elements in the Project intervention logic

Overall objective describes the anticipated long-term objective towards which the project will contribute Project purpose describes the intended effect, purpose or benefit for the beneficiaries (target group) Outputs are results which can be achieved and sustained (guaranteed) by the project management Activities are expressed as processes undertaken by the project management. They are means to achieve the end: the output.

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Planning phase: Step 5: Designing Project intervention logic

Define only ONE project purpose Several outputs are necessary to attain the objective For each output a number of activities shall be defined. Outputs and activities are numbered to show the relationship: Output A is the result of
Activity A.1 Activity A.2 Activity A.n

When completing the Project Matrix start from the top and work downwards in the first column (intervention logic).
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The Project Matrix

A project matrix is a tool to provide a clear overview of all project elements Elements are
intervention logic (means-to-end) indicators and means of verification assumptions

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External Factors Influencing Projects

Macroeconomic policies Market conditions / prices Resource availability Political and social conditions Development strategy - sector policies Environmental conditions Private sector capability Technology Counterpart funding Cultural factors - community support

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The Project Matrix

Overall Objective Indicator Indicator Verification Verification Assumption

Project
Purpose Outputs / Results Activities

Indicator

Verification

Assumption
Assumption

Inputs: Physical means / Costs

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An example of project matrix

Code Narrative Performance Indicator Increase in profit Higher overall production Good water quality Means of Verification Bio-economic analysis and data on water quality presented in milestone reports Assumptions/ Risks No natural disasters nor serious problems of diseases on cultured species Objective 1 Development of an integrated raceway-shrimp model using biofloc technology

Output 1.1

Experimental systems at BIARC established

All operational for the planned trials. System sketches provided with sample details
Key materials and equipment purchased or arranged Pond system ready for trials

Milestone Report 2

No competition for resource usage by other projects at BIARC

Needed materials and equipment available No unwanted damage to the available FRs BIARC make tanks available for the project 22

Activity 1.1.1

Purchase all required materials and equipment

As above

Activity 1.1.2

Set up pond system for the main trials (biofloc)

As above

Activity 1.2.3

Set up tank system for the Tank system ready shrimp density trials for trial

As above