Logical Framework Approach: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:38, 24 December 2014

Revision as of 09:34, 25 December 2014

Line 3:

The '''Logical Framework Approach (LFA)''' is a management tool mainly used for designing, [[Monitoring and Evaluation|monitoring and evaluating]] [[international development]] projects. Variations of this tool is known as '''Goal Oriented Project Planning (GOPP)''' or '''Objectives Oriented Project Planning (OOPP)'''.

=='''Background'''==

The Logical Framework Approach was developed in 1969 for the [[U.S. Agency for International Development]] (USAID), based on a worldwide study by Leon J. Rosenberg, a principal of Fry Consultants Inc. <ref>[http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADW881.pdf Final Report, Contract csd-2510, July 24, 1970]</ref> From 1970 to 1971, 30 countries adopted the method, under the guidance of Practical Concepts Incorporated (PCI), founded by Rosenberg. <ref>[http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/pnaec576.pdf Practical Concepts Incorporated, "Guidelines for Teaching Logical Framework Concepts"]</ref>

It is widely used by multilateral donor organizations, such as [[Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo|AECID]], [[Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit|GIZ]], [[Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency|SIDA]], [[Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation|NORAD]], [[DFID]], [[UNDP]], [[European Commission|EC]] and the [[Inter-American Development Bank]]. Some [[Non-governmental organization|non-governmental organizations (NGOs)]] offer LFA training to ground-level field staff. <ref>[http://www2.lse.ac.uk/researchAndExpertise/units/CARR/pdf/R&R-24-Winter-2012.pdf Fernando, Renuka. "Getting on With It: Monitoring and Evaluation in the Third Sector" Risk and Regulation. London School of Economics. Winter 2012.]</ref> It has also gained popularity in the private sector{{Citation needed|date=June 2014}}. Terry Schmidt has been active in extending LFA.

The Logical Framework continues to gain adherents, remarkable for a management tool invented more than 40 years ago. This phenomenon has been the subject of several, doctoral theses-- etheses—e.g., Daniel Martinez.

In the 1990s, it was often mandatory for aid organizations to use the method in their project proposals, although its use has become increasingly optional in recent years.

The Logical Framework Approach is sometimes confused with Logical Framework (LF or Log frame). Whereas the Logical Framework Approach is a project design methodology, the Log Frame is a document.

=='''Description'''==

The text below describes the document, not the global methodology of project design. For the brief description of the LFA as a design methodology, see for example the page [http://lgausa.com/logframe_approach.htm], and for the thorough description see for example [http://www.ausaid.gov.au/ausguide/Documents/ausguideline3.3.pdf AusGuideline 3.3 The Logical Framework Approach] cited in "External links" section.

Line 32:

One of its purposes/early uses was to identify the span of control of 'project management'. In some countries with less than perfect governance and managerial systems, it became an excuse for failure. Externally sourced technical assistance managers were able to say we have implemented all the activities foreseen and produced the outputs required of us, but because of the sub-optimal systems in the country, which are beyond the control of the project's management we have not achieved the purpose(s) and so the goal has not been attained.

=='''Handbooks'''==

[http://www.norad.no/en/tools-and-publications/publications/publication?key=109408 The Logical Framework Approach, Handbook for objectives-oriented planning], Fourth edition, [[Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation|NORAD]], 1999, ISBN 82-7548-160-0.

Line 39:

[http://usaidprojectstarter.org/sites/default/files/resources/pdfs/The-Logical-Framework-A-Managers-Guide.pdf The Logical Framework: A Manager's Guide to a Scientific Approach to Design and Evaluation, by Practical Concepts, Incorporated, 1979]

=='''References'''==

{{Reflist}}

=='''External links'''==

* USAID-related [http://dec.usaid.gov/index.cfm?p=search.getSqlResults&q_webcol=logframe logical framework documents] available through USAID's ''Development Experience System (DEXS)''.

* [http://www.mande.co.uk/logframe.htm Working with the Logical Framework] Explanations of how the Logical Framework works.