Topic 8 - Development of Project Results Framework

SESSION OBJECTIVES

At the end of the session, the participants shall be able to:

 know basic steps and contents of a results framework
 develop a project design using a results framework

Development of Project Results Framework

This stage involves clarifying the intervention objectives through the

1. Definition of precise and
2. Measurable statements of the results to be achieved
3. The identification of strategies to meet those objectives.

It determines the results you are aiming to achieve and your strategy for achieving
them.

It entails identifying a measurement of the results being sought (indicators) and

developing a conceptual framework for how those results will be achieved (generic
set of activities)

What is a Results Framework ?

Results Framework is an analytical tool to design projects, to facilitate monitoring

and managing their implementation

The Results Framework Has Three Main Purposes:

1. It is used to clarify and define the linkages between elements of project
design;
2. It is used to improve implementation, supervision, monitoring and
evaluation;
3. It is used as a participatory planning tool.

The Logical Framework is Based on Some Key Premises:

 That we design projects to achieve quantifiable and measurable objectives
and outputs;
 That project success and quality need to be monitored;
 That projected achievement of these objectives and outputs is based on a
series of hypotheses of cause and effect relationship;
 That key parties to the project are in agreement on the validity of these
hypotheses which are the basis of project design.
A Practical Design Tool
The HOW in the RESULTS FRAMEWORK

 Firstly, think of your project in terms of...

How
Do We
Put a Results Framework Together ?

Logical Order in
Accomplishing the Logical Framework

1. GOAL (Sector/Area): The Ultimate Rationale of the Project

The Logical Framework begins with identifying the overall sector/area goal to be
targeted by the project.

This is usually a higher level objective, relevant to the socio-economic status of a

sector, geographic area or target group of beneficiaries.

GOAL
 a broad development impact or “big picture” to which this project will
contribute.
 Statement wording: “to contribute to, to reduce, to improve...

“To reduce incidents of water bourne illness in the community.”

2. PURPOSE: WHY the Project is Being Done?

This is the immediate objective of the project. It describes the immediate impact or
results that we hope to achieve based on the project’s OUTPUTS. It should also
demonstrably contribute to the achievement of the GOAL.
PURPOSE
 Or the outcomes-specify the purpose of the project. In one sentence, state
the expected outcome on the target group.
 Statement wording: To increase, to improve...

“To improve access to potable water for all members of community X”.

3. COMPONENTS/OUTPUTS: WHAT the Project Will Deliver?

Outputs are tangible and measurable deliverables that the project is directly
accountable for and for which it is given budgeted amount and resources;
It is also the essential preconditions for achieving the project objectives;

COMPONENTS
 The specific and direct results that the project will deliver, after activities
have been done. Outputs are the specific, direct deliverables of the project
work.
 Statement wording: “….delivered/produced/changed, etc.
Primary health care clinic renovated, fully equipped and functioning”.

4. ACTIVITIES: HOW You Will Do the Project.

Each OUTPUT will be achieved through a series/ cluster of activities.

A brief summary of these activities should be presented.
This should be adequate enough to reflect and outline the intended strategy to
accomplish each output

ACTIVITIES
 Activities (Inputs) are the tasks that need to be carried out to deliver the
planned results. We only ‘do’ the activities – the rest will follow if the logic is
correct.
 Statement wording: Prepare, design, construct, procure, etc..”

Train maintenance committee.

Design water distribution system; Procure construction materials

5. INPUTS: The SUPPORT Necessary to Implement Activities

These will usually comprise the budgeted costs and consulting services allocated to
the project.
They should be presented by component/output.

INDICATORS: The Verifiable Indicators of Project Achievement

The basic principle behind this segment is: “if you can measure it you can manage
it”.

INDICATORS
 Indicators are measurable and observable data points that are directly
related to the activities, results, objectives and goal.

Used to:

 Track and record how well a planned set of activities are being
implemented
 Assess whether or not targets are meeting the goals thru the
activities that are undertaken
Means of Verification

This segment of the project framework ensures that the previously defined targets
can be verified and measured effectively by specifying the source(s) of data.










Are the sources that are used to gather the information for the indicator

Used to:
 Public Health survey results
 Community Based Monitoring System
 SGLG
 Monthly water quality and quantity tests
 Community documentation/reports
 Pre/Post training tests
RISKS / ASSUMPTIONS

Represent external factors over which the project chooses not to exert or does not
have control.
Identifying Important Assumptions
ASSUMPTIONS
 Are outside the project’s control, but critical to the project’s success.

Different types of assumptions include:

 Important events, conditions or decisions beyond the program’s
control, which are necessary for maintaining progress towards the
goal
 External factors that might affect whether the specific
objective/outcome is achieved
 External factors that might affect activities achieving the expected
results
 Preconditions that need to be fulfilled before the program can start

LOGIC “IF-THEN”

ACTIVITIES + ASSUMPTIONS = OUTPUTS

If we undertake the activities AND the assumptions hold true, THEN we will create
the outputs.

OUTPUT + ASSUMPTIONS = OUTCOME

If we deliver the outputs AND the assumptions hold true, THEN we will achieve the
outcome

OUTCOME + ASSUMPTIONS = IMPACT TO OVERALL GOAL

If we achieve the outcome AND the assumptions hold true, THEN we will contribute
to the impact
 CHALLENGES: Definitional Logic
Avoid definitional logic, where lower-level results are a restatement (or further
definition) of a higher level objective.
Don’t use different words to say the same thing.

CHALLENGES: Categorical Logic

Avoid Categorical logic, where lower level results are simply sub-categories rather
than cause and effect.

CHALLENGES: Single completed change

State

results as a single completed change, without using phrases like “and”, “through”,
“by”, “in order to”, etc.
Takeaways

Results frames should be...

✓ Written with input from community members
✓ Created during the initial planning of the project
✓ Revised frequently (living document)
✓ Concise
✓ Logical, clear and free of jargon
✓ One per project

LOGFRAME MATRIX
EXAMPLE 1: WATER AND SANITATION PROJECT