The LOGICAL

FRAMEWORK
A Tool & Technique
for Scoping the
Essential Elements of
a Project
NOTE: THIS TOOL & TECHNIQUE IS NOT COVERED IN
THE PMBOK OR PMP EXAM

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 1

 A Project is a Vision for
improving the future
The concept for a Project comes from One Persons
idea & initiative.
But Projects are never fully formed at conception.

During the Projects development -- and before final

approval -- many others become involved and contribute
to shaping -- and re-shaping its scope & substance.

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 2

 It is essential therefore that
when finally developed
all the Stakeholders
Have a Common
Understanding &
Acceptance of the Projects
Dimensions:
i.e. its

Objective, Scope &

Substance
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 3
 Originally developed for the
US Agency for International Development
(USAID)

the LOGICAL FRAMEWORK (Log-Frame) is a

deceptively simple - but very powerful
methodology & tool to
Plan & Summarize
the Scope and key elements of a Project
for subsequent
Monitoring & Evaluation
in an
easy-to-understand,
structurally-interrelated format.
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 4
The Logical Framework
*
Basically, a 4 & 5 Matrix to describe the Essential
Building Block Elements in the Project Design, as
well as for subsequent Performance Monitoring &
Evaluation:
*NOTE: Different organizations
such as ADB & the World Bank
have modified structural
versions of the LogFrame

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 5

 LOGFRAME (Generic)
DESIGN Performance Data Assumptions &
SUMMARY Indicators & Sources / Risks
(NARRATIVE) Targets Means of
Verification
GOAL

PURPOSE

OUTPUTS

ACTIVITIES

INPUTS

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 6

 The ADB Design & Monitoring Framework
(DMF)

Design and Monitoring Framework Reference

Version

Design Performance Data Source Assumptions/

Summary Targets Risks

IMPACT
IMPACT

OUTCOME
OUTCOME

OUTPUTS
OUTPUT
S
ACTIVITIES &
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES INPUTS
INPUTS
INPUTS
MILESTONES

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 7

 LOGFRAME Concepts

Design Summary WHY DO YOU WANT TO DO THE PROJECT?

PURPOSE WHAT IS THE PROBLEM OR

CONSTRAINT YOU HOPE TO RESOLVE?
[I.e. Widespread Illiteracy ]
WHAT IMMEDIATE OUTCOME
DO YOU EXPECT TO ACHIEVE?
[I.e. Improved Reading Skills
]
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 8
 PROJECT PURPOSE (or OUTCOME)
The Projects PURPOSE is the reason Why
the Project is being undertaken, however . .
.
while a Project may have successfully
delivered the OUTPUTS, the ultimate
success of the Project is only achieved
when the OUTCOME is realized.
But Outcome is outside the control of the
project implementer. It depends on a
change of behavior by the target
beneficiaries to utilize the projects
Outputs (Deliverables) which may occur
only a considerable time after the project
has been completed.
Therefore the Project Manager is not -- and
should not be -- held accountable for
achieving
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMPthe Outcome. Slide 9
 EVALUATION / ATTRIBUTION

Failure to attain a successful Outcome

within a reasonable time after project
completion may give rise to an evaluation
to ask why not, which in turn may
prompt a follow-on project or a different
approach.

Nevertheless, even a successful Outcome

cannot be plausibly attributed solely (or
even partially) to the Project unless other
factors have been assessed and
appropriately discounted (i.e. such as
through multivariate analysis ) which
can be done in laboratory or experimental
Slide
field trials, but is practically impossible
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP
in 10
 Developing the Project
PURPOSE

1. Limit to Only One Major

Objective
2. Describe the Result
Expected when the
Project Outputs have
been Successfully
Completed.

Sl
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 11
 LOGFRAME Concepts

Design Summary WHAT IS THE HIGHER LEVEL, LONGER

RANGE, VISION TO WHICH THIS
GOAL
PROJECT WILL CONTRIBUTE?
PURPOSE
I.e. Poverty Reduction, Improved Quality of
Life, Economic Development, etc.,

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 12

 LOGFRAME Concepts

Design Summary WHAT -- SPECIFICALLY -- WILL THE

PROJECT PRODUCE, PROVIDE &/or
GOAL LEAVE BEHIND?
PURPOSE WHAT ARE THE DELIVERABLES?
OUTPUTS I.e. Infrastructure, New Policies &
Procedures, Strengthened Institutions,
Skilled Personnel, etc., etc.

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 13

 Deliverables
Any measurable,
tangible, verifiable
outcome, result or
item that must be
produced to
complete a project
DELIVERABLE

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 14

 Examples of Project Deliverables

A software application package

together with related documents like:
Software product, user manuals, training
manuals, etc.
A Telecommunications tower
A Roads Development Project
A re-organized company with all the
associated re-structured
documentation.

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 15

 LOGFRAME Concepts

Design Summary

GOAL WHAT -- SPECIFICALLY -- IS THE

PROJECT GOING TO DO?
PURPOSE

OUTPUTS
I.e. Build, Train, Equip, Develop Policy, Draft
Legislation, Conduct Surveys, etc., etc.
ACTIVITIES

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 16

 LOGFRAME Concepts

Design Summary WHAT RESOURCES DOES THE PROJECT

NEED TO DO THE ACTIVITIES?
GOAL
I.e. Consultants, Equipment, Civil Works,
PURPOSE Training, Funding
OUTPUTS

ACTIVITIES

INPUTS

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 17

 LOGFRAME Concepts
INDICATOR: A quantitative or qualitative factor or variable
that provides a simple and reliable means to measure
achievement, to reflect changes connected to an intervention,
or to help assess performance
TARGET: A specific pre-determined level on an indicator.

COLUMN 2
Design Summary Indicators & Targets

GOAL
PURPOSE DEFINE SUCCESS i.e. HOW WILL
PERFORMANCE BE MEASURED?
OUTPUTS
ACTIVITIES Yardstick, Units, Baseline Situation, Incremental,
and End Objective Target Levels, and Timing?
INPUTS
Quantitative and/or Qualitative?

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 18

 LOGFRAME Concepts

INDICATORS Should be SMART

S pecific
M easurable
A chievabl
e
R elevant
T ime
Bound

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 19

 LOGFRAME Concepts

COLUMN 2
Indicators & Targets
<
MEASURES SHOULD Identify
Resources
Quantity, Quality & Time
i.e. HOW MUCH of WHAT and by WHEN

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 20

 LOGFRAME Concepts

Direct vs. Proxy Indicators

Direct indicators are Quantitative aspects
of the phenomena that are normally
scaled, readily measurable and easily
obtainable i.e. height, weight, volume,
area, crop yields, income, temperature, etc.,
or individually counted (such as people,
vehicles) -- as is usual with most technical
subjects.

Thus the data wanted can be obtained

directly.
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 21
 LOGFRAME Concepts

Proxy (Indirect) indicators are inferential and

substitute for direct indicators when the subject can
be measured directly, but it is deemed too sensitive to
do so i.e. income level, sexual behavior, etc.,

Proxy indicators are also used where Performance

levels will be qualitative and cannot be measured
directly such as health status, quality of life,
satisfaction level, etc.

Although Proxy indicators are less precise, they are

usually more cost-effective and efficient than direct
ones, providing a balance between the level of
reliability of information collected and the effort
needed to obtain it.
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 22
 The general Purpose of PROJECTS
is be able to do MORE / BETTER
than the current situation

by
Improving
EFFICIENCY
&/ or
EFFECTIVENESS

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 23

 DEFINING SUCCESS
The First American in Space Aboard
Freedom 7
NASA Astronaut Commander Alan
Shepard observed, after a dramatic
Atlantic Ocean recovery:

I didn't really feel the flight was a

success until the recovery had been
successfully completed.

It's not the fall that hurts;

It's the sudden stop."
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 24
 TYPICAL INDICATORS
of EFFICIENCY are

REDUCED
Processing Time
Costs
Personnel / Level of Effort
Waste / Misuse of Resources

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 25

 TYPICAL INDICATORS
of EFFECTIVENESS are
Increased Quantity
Improved Quality
Extended Outreach (Coverage)
Improved Timeliness Response
Time)

Reduced Risk / Uncertainty

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 26

 LOGFRAME Concepts
COLUMN 2

Indicators & Targets

MEASURES SHOULD
BE DIFFERENT
FOR EACH LEVEL !

<
INPUTS Resources
Money, Goods & Services, Training &
People
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 27
 LOGFRAME Concepts

COLUMN 2
Indicators & Targets
<
MEASURES SHOULD Resources
BE DIFFERENT
FOR EACH LEVEL !

ACTIVITIES < Timing, Physical &/or Intellectual

Effort

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 28

 LOGFRAME Concepts

COLUMN 2
Indicators & Targets
<
MEASURES SHOULD Resources
BE DIFFERENT
FOR EACH LEVEL !

OUTPUTS < Deliverable Products / Results

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 29

 LOGFRAME Concepts

COLUMN 2
Indicators & Targets
<
MEASURES SHOULD Resources
BE DIFFERENT
FOR EACH LEVEL !

PURPOSE < Immediate

OUTCOME

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 30

 LOGFRAME Concepts

COLUMN 2
Indicators & Targets
<
MEASURES SHOULD Resources
BE DIFFERENT
FOR EACH LEVEL !

GOAL < Sustainable Impact

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 31

 LOGFRAME Concepts

COLUMN 3
Data Sources &
Reporting Mechanisms
GOAL <
Resources
PURPOSE WHERE WILL THE INDICATOR & TARGET
DATA BE FOUND? I.e. National Statistics
OUTPUTS
Offices, Ministry Records, Project Reports,
ACTIVITIES Special Surveys, Mission Reviews, etc.
INPUTS

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 32

 LOGFRAME Concepts

COLUMN 4
Assumptions /
Risks
GOAL
ASSUMPTIONS: WHAT EXTERNAL
PURPOSE CONDITIONS EXIST OR BEHAVIORAL CHANGES
BY TARGET BENEFICIARIES ESSENTIAL TO
THE PROJECTS SUCCESS BUT BEYOND ITS
OUTPUTS CONTROL ARE EXPECTED ?
ACTIVITIES RISKS: WHAT IS MOST LIKELY TO GO WRONG?

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 33

 ASSUMPTIONS / RISKS

Assumptions are medium (or lower)

Risks to the Project which have been
Restated Positively
Risk: Assumptio
n
The Glass
is Half The Glass
Empty is Half
Full

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 34

 ASSUMPTIONS / RISKS
The expectation/hope is that the
Risk will probably not occur,
However, if taking the risk is
sufficiently important to project
success, it should be noted in
the LogFrame for monitoring
during implementation

NOTE: An assumption is NOT a premise,

logical
cause-effect hypothesis, as in general usage

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 35

 Locating Assumptions / Risks in
the Logframe
Most Organizations prefer to place
Assumptions & Risks on the level to
which they refer.
[I.e. Assumptions/Risks about
Purpose are placed at the
Purpose Level] Purpose
Level
Purpose ASSUMPTIO
NS / RISKS
OUTPUTS

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 36

 Design Summary & Assumptions/Risks
Relationships
DESIGN SUMMARY Assumptions /
Column Risks
Beyond
Project Goal Goal Level
Area

Within Project
Area but
beyond
Purpose Purpose Level
Management
Control
Within OUTPUTS Output Level
Project
Area and
Under Activities Activity Level
Manageme
nt
CONTROL
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 37
 The Key Conceptual difference between Outputs &
Purpose (Outcome) Levels

DESIGN Performance Data Assumptions

SUMMARY Indicators & Sources / & Risks
(NARRATIVE) Targets Means of
D Verification
e
m GOAL
a Strategic Management
n Levels
d PURPOSEthe target
Should reflect the intended Change in the situation After
beneficiaries have Utilized the Outputs
provided
Project Deliverable Level
S OUTPUTS
The Infrastructure, Facilities, Goods/Products &/or
u
Services provided by the intervening organization
p
p ACTIVITIES
l
y
INPUTS

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 38

 An AGRICULTURAL Example
OUTPUTS: Immediate Deliverables
[Supply]
Irrigation Systems Built
Irrigation Service Associations
Formed
Technical Extension Services
Provided
Farmers Trained
Seed, Fertilizer, Credit Provided
PURPOSE (OUTCOME): Sustainable
Results Intended [Demand]
Increased Productivity &
Production
Increased Farm Family Incomes
Increased
Dr.
2012 Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Food Availability Slide 39
 A HEALTH Example
OUTPUTS: Immediate Deliverables
[Supply]

Health Clinics/Facilities Built

Doctors & Nurses Trained & Deployed

Village-Level Health Workers Trained

Information/Education Campaigns
Conducted
Drugs/Medical
Supplies/Transportation Provided

PURPOSE (OUTCOME): Sustainable

Results Intended [Demand]
Increased Usage of Health Facilities
Improved Community Health Status
Improved Capacity for Productive
Work

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 40

 SUMMARY: Key Logframe Concepts
Development Focus, & Timing Typical Example
Objectives WHY? Long Range:
Reduced Poverty
(i.e. 2025)
Goal Sustained Economic Growth
WHY? Immediate: End To Increase Beneficiary Coverage
Purpose of Project ( i.e. 2015) To Sustain Efficient /Effective
Service Delivery by Ministry /
Private
WHAT will be DONE
Outputs during &/or by Project To Improve Economic
Power Stations, Access Roads,
end Development
Dams, Transmission Networks

Activities KEY TASKS During Strengthening Management, Policy

Project Implementation Procedures, Draft Legislation, MIS,
Privatization, Construction,
Training, etc.
RESOURCES. Before & $$,$$$,$$$
Inputs
During Implementation

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 41

 Equating Logical Framework
Terminology

IMPACT = GOAL

BUT All are

OUTCOME = PURPOSE OBJECTIVES
OUTPUTS =
Deliverables
Dont become
ACTIVITIES
confused by the
interchangeable
INPUTS
English terminology.
ACTIVITIES
Use whatever terms
are common practice
with either the
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP sponsor or Slide 42
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK / Banque Africaine de
Developpement
RESULTS-BASED LOGICAL FRAMEWORK FORMAT (2008)
HIERARCHY EXPECTED REACH / PERFORMAN INDICATIVE ASSUMPTIO
OF RESULTS TARGET CE TARGETS NS / RISKS
OBJECTIVES BENEFICIARI INDICATORS TIMEFRAM
ES E
Goal: Impact: Beneficiarie Impact Progress Risk:
s: Indicators: anticipated Mitigation:
in the long
term:

Program Outcomes: Beneficiarie Outcome Risk:

purpose: s: indicators: Mitigation:

Inputs and Outputs: Beneficiarie Output Risk:

activities: s: indicator: Mitigation:

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 43

 Other LogFrame Variations

Dont focus on the variations and language of different LogFrame

matrix models. What is important is designing the project using
hierarchical, interrelated, logic.

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 44

 Like the Floor Level Buttons in
Different Building Elevators . . .
14 13 15 14 R 15 14 13 ? ?
12 11 12 11 14 12 12 11 ? ?
10 9 10 9 11 10 10 9 ? ?
8 7 8 7 9 8 8 7 ? ?
6 5 6 5 7 6 6 5 ? ?
4 3 3 2 5 4 4 3 ? ?
2 1 M 1 3 2 2 1 ? ?
G B 0 G 1 LL L P ? ?
With Street * No 4 or * No 13 Etc., Etc.
Level in Red 13 * No Public
Access to
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Some Slide 45
In Conclusion . . .
 Purposes of a Logical Framework

A systematic tool for

Designing, planning, executing (i.e. implementing),
monitoring & evaluating a project (or operating
program).
Organizing thinking relating inputs to the
implementation of activities, activities to production of
outputs, outputs to achievement of a defined purpose,
and purpose to a high-level goal or impact.
Identifying and assessing risks by listing critical
assumptions inherent in project design and
implementation.
Measuring project progress through objectively
verifiable indicators and means of verification.
Developing consensus and communicating a
projects intent and strategy
2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 47
 Value-added by the
Logframe
Puts the project in a
broader sector context
Consistent Format
provides overview and Concise tool facilitates
permits rapid review of group participation during
the projects key design and review
Improves identification of
objectives, rationale, &
stakeholders responsibilities
essential management Highlights assumptions,
elements external risks and
Focuses on verifiable implications
Enhances Communication
results - immediate &
longer term effects & between different levels of
Stakeholders: i.e. Project
impacts - beyond
Sponsors, Managers,
deliverables - for later Contractors & Clients
Monitoring & Evaluation

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 48

 Scope Verification

INITIALLY
Obtaining formal
acceptance of the
project scope by the
key stakeholders.
ULTIMATELY
Reviewing the
deliverables and
work results to
ensure that all were
completed correctly,
and satisfactorily.

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 49

 And has direct potential for
adding Value to the

Planning and Management

of
YOUR Projects

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 50

 Dont Start Vast Projects
with Half-Vast Planning.

SE A LOG-FRAME

2012 Dr. Kenneth F. Smith, PMP Slide 51