The logical framework is a methodology that has the power to communicate the objectives of a project clearly and understandably in a single framework or matrix. Its power lies in that it can incorporate all the needs and points of view of the actors involved in the project and its environment (stakeholders).
The logical framework is a tool that summarizes the main characteristics of a project, from design and identification (what is the problem?), Definition (what should we do?), Assessment (how should we do it?), The execution and supervision (are we doing it well?), until evaluation (have we achieved it?).
The What and Why of the Logical Model
If you do not know where you are going, how will you know that you have already arrived?
Basically, a logic model is a systematic and visual way of presenting and sharing your understanding of the relationships between the resources you have to operate a program, the activities you plan to carry out, and the changes or results you hope to achieve.
Two main types are identified in the project environment: Hard Projects and Soft Projects. The former include those seeking to produce tangible results, such as the construction of a dam, a road, a bridge, or a factory. Soft Projects, for which the Logical Framework is especially useful, are those that seek to obtain intangibles, and their impact is usually seen until after some time of completion
FOR EXAMPLE:
• Strategic planning • Business planning • Community development • Conservation of biodiversity • Training and education • Marketing • Cultural changes • Awareness • Improvement of the quality of processes and performance of people and organizations • Research and information gathering
These types of projects are called soft because their results are abstract, intangible or subjective, that is, they cannot be touched.
THE BASIC LOGIC MODEL
The most basic logic model is an image of how you think the program will work.
Use words and / or pictures to describe the sequence of activities thought to bring about change and how these activities are linked to the expected results of the program.
Definition of components of the Basic Logical Model, which illustrate the connection between planned work and intended results.
• YOUR PLANNED WORK …… describes what resources you think you need to implement the program and what you intend to do.
• Resources include the human, financial, organizational and community resources that a program has available to use to carry out the work. Sometimes this component is known as Inputs.
• Program Activities are what the program does with resources. Activities are the processes, tools, events, technology, and actions that are an intentional part of program implementation. These interventions are used to bring about the intended changes or results of the program.
INTENTIONAL RESULTS
• They include all the desired results of the program (products, results and impact). • Outputs are the direct outputs of program activities and may include types, levels, and goals of services that will be delivered by the program. • Outcomes are specific changes in the behavior, knowledge, skills, condition, and level of functioning of program participants. • Impact is the fundamental intentional or involuntary change that occurs in organizations, communities, or systems as a result of program activities. • The term "logic model" is used frequently and interchangeably with the term "program theory" in the field of evaluation. Logic models can alternatively be referred to as theory, because they describe how a program works and for what purpose.• Typical logic models use table-type formats and flow diagrams to catalog factors, activities, and results and to illustrate the dimensions of a program. Most use text and arrows or a graphic representation of the ideas in the program. A logical model does not have to be linear. It can appear as a simple image or concept map to describe more complex program concepts.
THE FRAME OR MATRIX
• The logical framework structure is a 4-column by 4-row matrix.
Lines
• Each line represents a different level of the project objectives, with the upper level representing the broader or more important objectives and the upper level representing the activities and inputs. This arrangement is often called the Project Component Hierarchy.
Terminology used in the Logical Framework:
• Mission of the Organization Permanent objective of the organization and its reason for existing. It is usually to a certain extent utopian, since the organization does not consider its work completed at any time. There will always be something to do or improve. It does not have a specific time.
• Broad Objective The objective of greater order or importance to which the project contributes. Permanent change that you want to produce in the environment. It has a specific time in which it is expected to be achieved, usually in the long term. It is the opposite condition to the initial situation or baseline of the project.
• Immediate Objectives, Goals or Purposes. The immediate effect or impact of the project on people, institutions or groups, in the form of a change in attitude, conduct or performance. Medium term.
• Products and results The products and results are a direct and deliberate consequence of the project's actions. The products are tangible, such as built infrastructure, information on some physical medium, installed equipment, etc. The results are, in contrast, intangible, such as new knowledge and skills, conviction, acquired commitments, etc.
• Activities Actions directly undertaken by the project to obtain the products, (typically, together with the inputs, represent the first level of the project work structure and is where the cost of the project lies).
• Supplies These are the information, goods and equipment necessary to start the project. They are obtained externally to the project.
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