Logframe approaches

Logical framework methods

The logical framework is used in a number of different approaches that were developped over time. As the limitations and weaknesses of these approaches became apparent during their use in numerous projects, new and improved methods were developped. At each step, new ideas, concepts, tools, etc. were included to deal with the problems of the past.

The Logical Framework

The logical framework or logframe is a project management tool, that can be used to design, implement, monitor and evaluate a project. The logframe presents a wealth of information related to your project in a 4x4 matrix. The logframe can help you reflect on the basic elements of your project, such as its objectives, the activities that you want to do, the resources that you're going to need, how you are going to follow-up your project's progress and results, and what risk could threaten your project.

Project cycle management (PCM)

PCM cycle logoProject Cycle Management or PCM is an approach that allows you to manage many different projects and improve the quality of your projects over time. PCM uses the idea of a continuous learning cycle and incorporates logical framework analysis to guarantee that the beneficiaries are involved in the project's design. However, PCM's built-in flexibility is often threatened by the way its tools and models are used in a rigid way by donors and strong NGO partners.

Theory of Change and the logframe

Theory of Change (ToC) is an approach that tries to capture the complexity of societal change in a given context. Based on a thorough analysis if this context and the different parties that (could) influence the desired change - both positively and negatively - the Theory of Change can help an organisation to identify its own role and contribution to a higher and shared goal. As an organisation, you will be able to see the Pathway of Change: the things you can do to contribute positively to change, their relative importance and the order in which to do them. It will help you decide on what type of interventions you can do or shouldn't do. And it will help you to surface the assumptions that you as an organisation and as individuals implicitly made about the environment you work in, the change that you seek and the ways that you do it.

Logical Framework Approach (LFA)

The Logical Framework Approach or LFA is a systematic and analytical process for objectives-oriented project planning and management. LFA is also known under other names, such as Objectives Oriented Planning or Goals Oriented Planning. It makes use of the basic logframe matrix to design, plan and manage projects.

Results Based Management (RBM)

As a next step in the evolution of logical framework approaches, Results Based Management or RBM tries to respond to a number of issues of the PCM and LFA methods. People often ask what the difference is between PCM or LFA and Results Based Management. In a sense, you could say that RBM is PCM done right. It provides more tools and directives on what you should do to ensure that you really design your project in a participatory way, or to make sure that you really think about assumptions and risks.