What is the Logical Framework of a project and what is it for?

The logic frame is a tool capable of communicating the objects of a project in a clear and understandable way in a single framework. Has the power to bring together all points of view and needs of the different actors that are involved in said project and in its environment.

This methodology facilitates the process of conceptualization, design, execution and evaluation of a specific project. It has the purpose of provide adequate structure to the planning process and communicate the information the project needs.

It can be used in the preparation of all stages of identification, analysis, execution, programming, orientation, presentation to the review groups and the evaluation of the project. Provides the facility that can be modified and improved as many times as necessary during preparation and when the project is carried out.

Logical Framework Approach

This analytical tool can perform the planning of projects oriented by means of different objects and can be used frequently by organizations at international level. It can be said that it is the consequence of a set of events related by an internal cause that can be described as follows:

General objective

Its objective and direct description of the surrounding conditions implies reaching the intervention that is in the planning and execution process. The general objective It has to be only one, if by chance the project does not occur, consider carrying out more than one sub-project and defining a logical framework for each one.

Faced with the definition of the general objective, the indicators that are objectively verifiable and the procedures for your determination. Likewise, the external assumptions that must be met in order to achieve this objective and the risk that corresponds to its fulfillment.

Specific goal

These objectives express in detail the changes that occur in the behavior of the people, groups and institutions that generate the negative situation of today with the intention of being able to sort out. If these behavioral changes do not occur, the overall goal cannot be achieved.

The specific objectives they can be more than one, this will depend on the actors and the behavioral changes that are necessary. Each one must define concrete results, the indicators must be measurable and also the procedures, in addition to the allocation of risks.

Expected results

The specific objectives are expected to define the specific expected results. In the same way, the term, of which it is expected to achieve said results, which surely must be more than one.

Activities

These activities are specified in each expected result, therefore, several activities are needed to achieve them. In these activities, resources that can be personal, financial or the availability of equipment are manifested.

Characteristics of the Logical Framework

The logical framework usually has a number of important characteristics, such as those mentioned below:

• This framework has the ability to demonstrate the measurement of how successful the project is.
• This is presented in the form of a four-by-four matrix between columns and rows. The columns contain the narrative summary, indicators, means of verification, and assumptions.
• It is supported by two basic principles that are vertical and horizontal linkage and the participation of all those who participate in the project.
• They provide the basis for monitoring the performance and evaluation of the project.
• It can be modified and improved as many times as necessary during design creation and project execution.
• Specify in a concrete way each of the objectives at the level of purpose, purpose and components.
• Each of the indicators has a defined goal that allows the correct measurement if the objective has been achieved without difficulty.
• Provides a structure that expresses in a single table, all the information that relates to the most important of the project.

Step-by-step Logical Framework Methodology

To carry out the logical framework methodologyIn a project, it is necessary to take into account the following points:

Analysis of the situation

• Analysis of the participants, identifying the expectations and interests of the companies, groups or people who are going to collaborate.
• It is important that all interests coincide, therefore, it is necessary to prevent the emergence of interests that are opposite and look for alternatives to reach an agreement.
• Analysis of the problems, in that case it is necessary to identify it and define the causes by means of a problem tree.
• Analysis of the objectives, when the Problem Tree, it has to be transformed into a tree of objectives and thus analyze each one.
• Analysis of alternatives, this would be the final step, this consists of assessing and analyzing all the possible solutions with the intention of carrying them out and thereby determining the appropriate strategy for the draft.

Project design

• Project elements: When you have a specific strategy, after having followed the steps described above, you must carry out a summary of the main elements of the project that emerged from the objectives tree, which must be related to the general objective, with the specific objectives, the results to be achieved, the activities and the necessary resources to do it.
• Establish priorities: The complete vision of achieving this methodology, helps to improve the establishment of priorities Within the project procedure, these are focused on achieving the final objective depending on the strategies that are use.
• External factors: It is necessary to carry out an analysis of the factors that go beyond the project's internal control. In that case, if they get out of control, no greater effort should be made to find a solution, since it is somewhat impossible to solve them. They should only be taken into account in areas that can be controlled and thus reduce the negative consequences as much as possible.
• Indicators: In order to know what the real status of the project is like, the degree of everything that has been achieved with respect to the objectives found in the various phases is simply measured.