The Logical Framework Approach is a planning methodology, adopted by many international organisation, as particularly adapted to capture all elements involved in the design of an intervention implying intangible results (I.e. behavioural changes). Since 1993 it has become the main instrument of the intervention cycle management of the European Union, which contributed directly to its development.
What can it be used for?
The Logical Framework Approach supports the design of an intervention. Its main output, the Logical Framework Matrix, summarize in a single framework the main characteristics and specification of intervention, including measurement indication, becoming an relevant tool of the monitoring and evaluation process.
When can it be used?
The Logical Framework Approach is used in the intervention cycle from identification to closure.
Who can use it?
All stakeholder involved in the design and execution of an intervention.
What are its strengths?
It provides a structured way to integrate analytic and planning tools in designing the intervention, providing a reference tool, the Logical Framework Matrix, which can be used in all phases of the Intervention cycle
By systematically addressing assumption and risks highlighted in the analytical phase, it increases the chances of success of the intervention by linking and adapting it to the surrounding context.
What are its limitations?
The Logical Framework Approach is a very effective design tool only if it integrates consistent preparatory analysis (context, stakeholder, public policy etc.) and is kept aligned to the intervention context. It does not replace sound professional judgement nor experience.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
The Logical Framework Approach starts with an analytical phase, where all needed context analysis, (i.e. Public policy, Stakeholder, Gender etc.) are performed to define the broad rational of the intervention.
Those analysis are generally performed during the identification phase, and will be progressively fine-tuned, in an iterative process, along the whole design phase. They contribute to providing evidence supporting the chosen strategy, and the relevance, credibility and feasibility of the planned intervention.
Toward the end of the intervention design process, planning tools (Activity Based Costing, Activity and Resource schedule) are applied to define the timespan of the intervention as well as the required inputs. Both time and inputs planning should be outcome-based - which is, specifically lined to the intervention and its context, providing additional evidence of the feasibility of the intervention, from the timing, quality and cost perspectives.
The key output of the logical framework are the Intervention Logic and the Logical Framework Matrix (Logframe). The intervention logic is the way an intervention is expected to achieve its desired results, including underlying assumptions about the causality and interaction between the intervention, its inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and impacts, in the context of the intervention. The Logical Framework Matrix, represents the totality of the intervention within a structure connecting three interdependent elements: the Result Chain, showing the causal link leading from input to the expected impact; the Assumptions, linking the intervention to its specific context; and the Indicators, allowing measurement of intervention progress: