Introduction to the Logical Framework Approach - Stockholm ...

Introduction to the LFA“Lack-frames”:One of the LFA’s limitations criticised is that in complex and sometimes evenrelatively simple project settings the logframe can be too simple fordescribing the project design so that important aspects are left out. Thelogframe matrix in this case is no summary of a project’s key aspects butrather a lack-frame. The logframe matrix might be complemented withadditional important information, but by doing this the idea of the matrix as aproject summary providing a rather quick overview of the most importantaspects of a project does not hold true any more.“Lock-frames”:Another risk with the application of the LFA that frequently occurs is thefreezing of analysis and planning results derived from an initial situationby leaving a logframe matrix, once it has been drawn up, as it is withoutupdating it. The result is a “lock-frame” that limits flexibility. As mentioned anumber of times during the introduction to the LFA, the logframe matrixshould always reflect changes (be it in the analysis of the project’senvironment, concerning the objectives envisioned for the project, etc.), andstay flexible.Another difficulty with applying the LFA possibly resulting in lock-framesconcerns the work in environments of great uncertainty and change. As DesGaspers writes: “A generally doomed response is to try to plan and control soeffectively that uncertainty and external changes are tamed. Lock-frame canresult: a logframe is stuck too doggedly despite becoming superseded, andthen survives later because nobody pays attention any more” 50 .With respect to single LFA tools the focus on problems during the initialsituation analysis is often criticised. First, because this entry point to analysismight be unacceptable in cultures that consider it inappropriate to discussabout problems or formulate criticism openly. Second, because the initialfocus on problems might limit the vision of potential objectives and third,because beginning with the problem analysis might not be suited to situationswhere there is a high degree of uncertainty involved or where agreementcannot be reached on the main problem. As writes Bill Jackson: “Thelogframe approach assumes the nature of the problems can be readilydetermined at the beginning of the planning process. This does not allow foran exploratory style project that seeks to learn from experience.” 51Reader“lack-frames”“lock-frames”problem focus50 Gaspers, Des, p. 76.51 Jackson, Bill, p. 2. On the criticism that LFA can restrict learning (in that it neglectsunintended and unforeseen effects and unintended routes by taking the logframe - as adescription of the intended routes for achieving intended effects - as the basis for all latermonitoring and evaluation, possibly producing a “tunnel vision”) and the neglect of valuesabout process as compared to values of products (reflected in the step wise hierarchy ofobjectives, matching “thinking from the profit sector”) also see Gaspers, Des, p. 76 f.39