Managing Humanitarian Projects → Logical Framework Analysis (LFA)

Logical Framework Analysis (LFA)

A log frame is a simple table which identifies the logical relationship between essential elements of a project.
This ensures that the project is well designed, described objectively, can be monitored and evaluated and is clearly structured. It is a framework used by many donors.

Log frame matrix
Project structure	Indicators	Means of verification (MOV)	Assumptions (and risks)
Goal	- of achievement of the goal	- Sources of information to verify indicators
Purpose	- of achievement of the purpose	- Sources of information to verify indicators	What external factors are needed for the purpose to contribute to achievement of the goal?
Outputs	- of delivery of the outputs (quality, quantity, time)	- Sources of information to verify indicators	What external factors might affect the progress of the outputs in achieving the expected changes/benefits?
Activities	- expressing when activities will be completed, and the inputs required	- Sources of information to verify inputs	What factors might restrict the progress of activities in achieving the outputs?

Goal:	What wider problem will the project help to resolve?
Purpose:	What change or benefit will occur if the outputs are achieved?
Output:	What are the intended results of activities or groups of activities?
Activity:	What actual tasks will we do to produce the expected outputs?
Indicator:	How will we know we have been successful?
MOV:	How will we check our reported results?
Assumptions:	What assumptions might affect implementation or sustainability, and what are the risks? How might you minimise or manage risks?
Inputs:	What materials, equipment, financial and human resources are needed to carry out the activities of the project?

The log frame is not designed to show every detail of the project
– it is simply a convenient and logical summary of the key factors.

How To Develop a Logical Framework

Stage 1 - TOP DOWN (Project Structure)
Using participatory approaches involving stakeholders, start at the top developing the Goal, and then consider Purpose, Outputs, Activities, Inputs.

Stage 2 - WORK ACROSS (Indicators and MOV)
Work across the log frame, identifying the indicators and then the means of verification. For each step of the project structure, consider :

- What indicators can be used to measure achievement against?
- What information will be needed and how it might be gathered?
- What problems / barriers might arise and how can their impact be minimised?

Stage 3 - BOTTOM UP (Checking logic and assumptions)
Start from the bottom of the log frame and consider whether, if the assumptions at one level hold, you can logically move up to the next level.

Check: IF you carry out the activities AND the assumptions at that level are not present THEN will the planned outputs be delivered? If not, adjust the planned activities. Then move on and repeat at the next level.

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Top Tips

Start working on your log frame when you begin planning the project.
Include all stakeholders in the development of the LFA.
Develop a problem tree, then turn the problems into objectives,
Find a mentor with experience of writing log frames who can offer advice & assistance.
If you get stuck, don't panic - move on to the next stage and come back to the tricky bit later.
Work in pencil so you can erase things and make amendments easily,
Use a large sheet of paper with plenty of room for 'thinking', then reduce to A4 later.
Keep reflecting and revising until you are satisfied that the project is workable and the log frame is clearly logical!
Use the log frame as the basis of funding applications and then throughout the project lifecycle to track progress and adapt to changing situations.

Additional Resources

Web page Funds for NGOs - web resources (no file) [full details]

Log Frame Handbook [full details]

Logical Framework – Project Management Institute and International Institute for Learning Inc. [full details]

This page was last updated on 24 June 2011