Created in 1969 for the us agency for international development, it. There are two ways to use the logical framework approach in project monitoring and evaluation work. The logical framework approach july 2010 how to guide page 6 pros and cons in practice, the logical framework approach is used in widely different ways by various international ngos and is loved and loathed in equal measure, usually dependent on how and why it is adopted by each organisation, and who has been involved in the lfa process when. The two terms logical framework lf or logframe and the logical framework approach lfa are sometimes confused. It has been the subject of much criticism over the years, concerning both the theoretical. According to the world bank 2000, the logical framework has the power to communicate the essential elements of a complex project clearly and succinctly throughout the project cycle. Over time, it has evolved from simply a framework for structuring project objectives to more sophisticated, processorientated approaches for involving stakeholders in project design and management. The logical framework approach is an analytical and management tool which is now used in one form or another by most multilateral and bilateral aid agencies, international ngos and by many partner governments for the management of. The use of the matrix or the socalled logframe, is still the standard applied in practically all bilateral and multilateral agencies and many ngos. An lfa is a management tool for effective planning and implementation of developmental projects.
Overview of the logical framework approach log frame matrix, a documented product of the lfa is prepared before a project proposal and makes its integral part. The use and abuse of the logical framework approach. Strengths and weaknesses of the logical framework as a. According to the world bank 2000, the logical framework has the power to communicate the essential elements of a complex project clearly and. The framework needs these steps in order to properly work a largescale project from start to finish. The note examines three inherent weaknesses of the logical framework lf approach. Remember that planning is an iterative process and that elements of both problem analysis and stakeholder analysis will need to be revisited on an ongoing basis as new information and ideas come to light.
The logical framework approach lfa mainly helps organizations address three basic problems for their project management system, which is that. It is not a substitute for other technical, economic, social and environmental analyses. Critical study of the logical framework approach in the basque. A comment on the limitations of the logical framework. Mar 07, 2018 sharethe conceptual framework is a logical system of interconnected fundamentals and objectives applied in financial reporting and financial accounting. Various scholars have contributed to the debate on the strengths and weaknesses of the logic framework, which has brought to the fore the interrogation of its usefulness both in theory and practice. The logical framework approach is a systematic and analytical planning process used for the resultsbased planning of a project or programme and for the associated monitoring and evaluation system. It cannot replace the use of professionally qualified and experienced staff. Then, three major disadvantages of using logframe such as vague planning. However its not just about the tools the application of the logical framework is about understanding the user requirements in a detailed way and working through the different options to. We know about various components of a project such as goal, objectives, activities, results and indicators. Nov, 2014 the logical framework approach lfa is widely used throughout the aid industry for project design and appraisal, and although much of the literature also promotes the use of the lfa for the. A comment on the limitations of the logical framework method. This guide introduces the concept of logframes, and describes why and how they are used.
What the method is used for depends on the role of its users and their needs. Sida, like many other donor agencies, has decided to use, and to encour. Critical study of the logical framework approach in the. In the 1980s and 1990s the methodology of the lfa was adopted by most development agencies. The logical framework was originally created as a planning tool for military purposes, and was then further developed by nasa to plan space programmes. Followed primarily in accounting practices, this framework is responsible for maintaining a consistency in the principles of accounting and lays down its scopes and restrictions.
After being adopted by usaid in the 1970s, the logical framework, or logframe, has since. A comment on the limitations of the logical framework method, in. The final product the logical framework is a helpful way to present a quick. The logical framework approach can help project design.
Logical framework approach, zopp and oopp are terms for the same project design methodology or process. Some of these are limitations of the tool itself, and others are because of how it is used in different situations ibid. Chapter 3 explains project planning and gives an overview of the lfa approach chapter 4 details principles and aspects of development of forestry projects. Pdf what are the advantages and disadvantages of using the. Doc analyse the strengths and limitations of a logical. What is logical framework analysis lfa and why is it. Hersoug 1996 shows how the logical framework approach lfa. The world bank logframe handbook, a logical framework. It becomes a standard approach which required by many donors for grant applications. Advantagesit ensures that fundamental questions are asked and weaknesses are analysed, in order to provide decision makers. However, there is confusion about its potential application and limitations.
The logical framework approach lfa is widely used throughout the aid industry for project design and appraisal, and although much of the literature also promotes the. Logical framework analysis definition and example free. It has been enormously successful in terms of widespread use, at least in part due to its simplicity. On logical framework analysis logframes in the context of.
It guides systematic and logical analysis of the key interrelated elements that constitute a welldesigned project. The article discusses when it is appropriate to adopt the framework method and explains the procedure for using it in multidisciplinary health research teams, or those that involve. Advantages and limitations of using the logical framework advantages limitations it helps you ask the right questions. The logical framework logframe is the core reference document throughout the entire project management cycle. It provides clear, concise and systematic information about a project through a framework. They exist in various forms and are usually known as logical frameworks or logframes. The first is that of the logical framework approach to project design and delivery. A project goal is a very general, highlevel and longterm objective of the project. An introduction to multi agency planning using the logical framework approach introduction project management and planning can be difficult at the best of times, when the project is one that involves a whole range of partners and agencies, it can be made even more so.
Using the framework method for the analysis of qualitative. Later, information was compiled based, mainly on standardised questionnaires and semistructured interviews on 101 development ngos, 16 of their partner organisations in the south, 3 universities and 173 public entities from the. The basic idea of the logical framework approach is to condense the planned project mechanism down into a relatively simple, linear logic model. Critical study of the logical framework approach in. The logical framework approach lfa has come to play a central role in the planning and management of development interventions over the last twenty years. But the goal cannot be achieved by the project on its own since there will be other forces like the government, other agencies etc also. Analysis stage preparatory analysis stakeholder analysis problem analysis. The logical framework is often used as a basis for monitoring and evaluation. Sharethe conceptual framework is a logical system of interconnected fundamentals and objectives applied in financial reporting and financial accounting. It identifies all of the preconditions to change, and has a pathway of outcomes. The logical framework approach is a project management tool most often used in an international setting.
Discuss three pros and three cons of logical framework approach. This chapter is to explain the lf approach in general terms and for project purpose only. Generally, there seem to be some consensus what basically entails the logical framework approach in both theory and practice. The logical framework has played an important role in the project planning and management over the last two decades. Although the logical framework has become universally known, it is far from universally liked. Logical framework analysis l ogical framework analysis lfa is an approach to planning that is used widely in relief and development programs. Logical framework approach logical framework matrix.
A key tool to project cycle management final version draft this guide is an initiative from the dacu, funded by sidadfid joint programme for support to the mier for improvement of coordination, planning, programming and implementation of development assistance. A copy of this document can be downloaded in pdf format at for any. Analyse the strengths and limitations of a logical frame work approach 25. This type of framework can provide a unifying principle for multisite, or multitopic initiatives. Logical framework analyses are widely used by donors and governments in the planning. An introduction to the logical framework loughborough university. The logframe is a document, the logical framework approach is a project design methodology. Since then lfa it has been applied in different ways. Using the logical framework for project management training. The logical framework approach lfa has evolved since the 1970s as a methodology for improving the systematic planning of development projects. The logical framework approach lfa is a project design process based on participation, critical analysis, strategic thinking, and logic. At its core is a theory of change management which presents the logical flow of causal outcomes between achievement of a.
Logical framework provides a stepbystep approach to the planning of projects with some easily adapted tools to use at each stage. This type of framework does not provide much guidance on how to reach long term goals. Lfa takes planners through a series of steps to define clearly what the project or program will accomplish and how. What are the disadvantages of conceptual framework. The different phases are related to the current project, indicating the reference in blue 1. Report writing connections between logic models and data, methodology, and knowledge use using form to affect the tradeoff of information density and readability. It defines linkages between the project and external factors. The logical framework has both strengths and weaknesses as a tool used in development planning, monitoring and evaluation. Logical framework approach in project planning apppm. As a methodology, the logical framework approach lfa is a systematic, visual approach to designing, executing and assessing projects which encourages users to consider the relationships between available resources, planned activities, and desired changes or results. Pdf what are the advantages and disadvantages of using. The logframe has been in use at the world bank since august 1997, when it became a standard attachment to the project appraisal document for investment operations.
It becomes a standard approach which required by many donors for. Given the time constraints i would like to highlight just two approaches. The process requires strong facilitation skills to ensure real participation by appropriate stakeholders. The method may also be used for analysis, assessment, followup and evaluation of projects. Limitations to the logical framework approach it requires a team process with good leadership and facilitation skills to be most effective. The logical framework approach lfa is widely used throughout the aid industry for project design and appraisal, and although much of the literature also promotes the use of the lfa for the. No alternative to lfa the logical framework approach lfa has been around for well over 40 years. Defining the components of the logical framework in a.
Limitations to the logical framework approach these are that. The lfa has been around for since the 1970s and is used, or is. Apr 29, 2020 the logical framework approach is a project management tool most often used in an international setting. Pdf the logical framework has played an important role in the project. It has been much less successful in international development in terms of sustainable results and appreciation by project staff. The logical framework approach lfa is an analytical process and set of tools used to support project planning and management. However, a few pitfalls make it hard to use within todays project management framework and to integrate with other project management tools.
Lfa, the logical framework approach, is an instrument for objectiveoriented planning of projects. What logical relationships can be modeled types of information that can be included in a model how to use logic models along the whole evaluation life cycle. The framework method is becoming an increasingly popular approach to the management and analysis of qualitative data in health research. This article proposes an updated version of the lfa to improve its compatibility with todays corporate culture, project management. It becomes a standard approach which required by many donors for grant. Logical framework approach, zopp, and oopp what and why. The logical framework approach lfa has proved to be a valuable tool for project approval, design, and evaluation. The logical framework approach lfa has evolved since the 1970s as a. Cf serves as a standard procedure that can be implemented to.
It is different from project objectives because the latter are very specific and have to be addressed alone by the project. However, a few pitfalls make it hard to use within todays project management. It is a group of ifthen statements, along with assumptions that must be true for the statements to be valid. Objectives oriented project planning and in german ziel. Logical framework analysis lfa lfa is an analytical, presentational and management tool which can help planners to.
The pros and cons of logical framework approach as for any instrument of project cycle management for more details on project cycle management please refer part 3 of this guide, there can be advantages and limitations of using lfa. The pros and cons of logical framework approach as for any. However, the logical framework also has some weaknesses. An early template narrative causality mention target groups indicators and means of verification assumptions and risks 1.