Logical Framework : A Brief Introduction

The logical framework approach is a way to think of plans and act in a more integrated fashion.

What does that mean? 

Well let's take a tool like Project management. Project management is great once you're clear about:

a. what the objectives are?

b. what the risks are?, and

you simply need to execute a timeline. But it's not very good at helping you come up with what the goals are? and neither they do have an integrated approach.

So, this is where logical framework steps in!

The logical framework combines really three types of thinking which are the best principles from strategic planning. It is scientific in nature and method. It does it in a fairly elegant way. It may sound like a big bunch of jargon words but it's actually quite simple.

To begin with, the basic three types of thinking in question form are:

1. What are we trying to accomplish and why ?
2. How will we measure success?

3. What other conditions must exist?
and even there is fourth question which is
4. How we are going to get there?

So first thing first lets observe the logical framework table:



Step 1: The objective column


For this:

a. We will write down our goal in the box given
b. We will then write the purpose/objective we expect to achieve
c. We will then write the outcomes
d. Finally in the Inputs box we will write down all the resources required.

Once you have written all those, the thought process should be from bottom to top. That means you need to check the inputs and ask yourself whether those inputs will give you the outcomes you have jotted. If outcomes are sure to achieve ask if that gives you required purpose and then if that leads to goals.

Step 2: Success measures and verification

Once Step 1 is done. Lets do Step 2. The question that rings after Step 1 is:

a. How will we measure success at each of these levels?
b. How will we know in advance that we've achieved these objectives?

In step 2, we will come up with measures, quantity, quality, time, cost, customer, as well as verification. The means of determining the success measure.

Step 3: Assumptions/Risk

In Step 3 we're going to ask two questions: 

a. What other conditions must exist? 

b. What assumptions do we have to make for this?

Step 4: Inputs

The fourth question is how do we get there now? 

Usually, while doing LFA, most people jump prematurely to the fourth question. I would say that's like trying to paint the house before you've built it. 

Well, If you are reading this, then Congratulations! You have almost quite figured out basic logical framework approach. You though will need lot of practice. So let me suggest! Go to google and type for LFA example. Take 1-2 of those and try to navigate along this write-up. I bet you wont get lost! 

Thank you reader for bearing with me ! Good day!