Logical Framework Approach

The Logical Framework Approach (LFA) is a methodology mainly used for designing, monitoring, and evaluating international development projects. Variations of this tool are 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). It is based on a worldwide study by Leon J. Rosenberg, a principal of Fry Consultants Inc. In 1970 and 1971, USAID implemented the method in 30 country assistance programs under the guidance of Practical Concepts Incorporated, founded by Rosenberg.

It has been widely used by multilateral donor organizations, such as AECID, GIZ, SIDA, NORAD, DFID, SDC, UNDP, EC and the Inter-American Development Bank. Some non-governmental organizations offer LFA training to ground-level field staff. It has also gained popularity in the private sector, for example, in health care.

Description
The Logical Framework Approach takes the form of a four-by-four project table, often referred to as a "Logframe".

The rows represent types of events that take place as a project is implemented: Activities, Outputs, Purpose and Goal (from bottom to top on the left hand side — see EC web site under external links).

The columns represent types of information about the events: a Narrative description, Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) of these events taking place, Means of Verification (MoV) where information will be available on the OVIs, and Assumptions. Assumptions are external factors that could have an influence, whether positive or negative, on the events described in the narrative column.

The list of assumptions should include the factors that may impact the project's success but cannot be directly controlled by the project or program managers. In some cases, these include what could be killer assumptions, which if invalid will have major negative consequences for the project. A good project design should be able to substantiate its assumptions, especially those with a high potential to have a negative impact.

Temporal logic model
The core of the Logical Framework is the "temporal logic model" that runs through the matrix. This takes the form of a series of connected propositions:
 * If these Activities are implemented, and these Assumptions hold, then these Outputs will be delivered.
 * If these Outputs are delivered, and these Assumptions hold, then this Purpose will be achieved.
 * If this Purpose is achieved, and these Assumptions hold, then this Goal will be achieved.

These are viewed as a hierarchy of hypotheses, with the project or program manager sharing responsibility with higher management for the validity of hypotheses beyond the output level. Thus, Rosenberg brought the essence of scientific method to non-scientific endeavors.

The "Assumptions" column is important in clarifying the extent to which the project or program objectives depend on external factors, and greatly clarify "force majeure" which are out of control of the project delivery partners — an area that was of particular interest when the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) at least briefly used the LFA as the essence of contracts.

The LFA is also used in other contexts, both personal and corporate. When developed within an organization, it can articulate a common interpretation of the objectives of a project and how they will be achieved. The indicators and means of verification force clarifications as one would for a scientific endeavor, as in "you haven't defined it until you say how you will measure it." Tracking progress against carefully defined output indicators provides a clear basis for monitoring progress; verifying purpose and goal level progress then simplifies evaluation. Given a well constructed logical framework, an informed skeptic and a project advocate should be able to agree on exactly what the project attempts to accomplish, and how likely it is to succeed—in terms of programmatic (goal-level) as well as project (purpose-level) objective.

One of its purposes in its 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 that all activities foreseen have been implemented and all required outputs produced, but because of the sub-optimal systems in the country, which are beyond the control of the project's management, the purpose(s) have not been achieved and so the goal has not been attained.

Handbooks
The Logical Framework Approach, Handbook for objectives-oriented planning, Fourth edition, NORAD, 1999, ISBN 82-7548-160-0.

Strategic Project Management Made Simple: Solution Tools for Leaders and Teams, by Terry Schmidt. (Wiley, 2021) ISBN 978-1-119-71817-8