Identification

PCM cycle - IdentificationIn this step, the idea for the project is initiated and the organisation verifies whether this idea really responds to the needs of the (future) beneficiaries. In other words, the pertinence of the project is checked. This means that we have to see if it fits our strategy on the one hand. But more importantly it has to be based on a thorough knowledge and analysis of the situation in the target zone/country and of the needs of the beneficiaries. This is where the expertise of the local partners comes in – generally to guarantee the quality of the project, it is expected that the project is formulated together with the local partners.

As a result of this phase, an initial draft of the project is elaborated which contains all elements of the intervention logic:

  • What activities do we want to do?
  • To achieve what tangible results (outputs)?
  • To remedy what situation? Why do we do this project? In other words what is the purpose of our project?
  • How will our project contribute to improving the overall situation in the intervention area? What will the impact be in the long run?

In other words, the first column of the logical framework is elaborated. In PCM – as in the logical framework approach – the idea is that there is a cause-and-result chain. The activities lead to the tangible outputs, and through the combination of these outputs we will realise the purpose of our project.

At this stage, we also have a look at the resources we will need and try to estimate what the overall budget of the project will be.

Often this project draft must go through an approval procedure within the organisation, meaning that the director, the executive board or some form of a project committee will have to scrutinise the project and give their approval.

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