1.1. Background
1.2. Objectives of a Logframe Based Management System
1.3. Objectives of the Manual
The logical framework (logframe) approach is not a new management tool. Based upon the "management-by-objectives" concept, it was first developed for USAID in the early 1970ies. Today it is being used, in one form or other and with different names, by major organisations in the field of development co-operation and private industry.
Within the CGIAR system, a number of centres have been using the logframe approach for project planning for nearly a decade. Some centres have developed centre level logframes. The standard project description within the Mid-Term-Plans (MTP) already includes elements of a logframe logic. Some funding agencies have required a logframe format for project proposals. Many staff members are, therefore, familiar with the methodology and its application for research planning.
When TAC decided to test the usefulness of the logframe approach for formulating objectives at the system's level in 1996, it could therefore build upon some practical experiences. The "Logical Framework for the CGIAR System" which is the basis for all discussions and recommendations in this manual has been developed with broad participation of important stakeholders. Results of two workshops with experts from the centres, TAC, NARS partners and Members were widely disseminated. The feedback received and ultimately integrated into the document was instrumental in winning widespread acceptance. The "Logical Framework for the CGIAR System" was formally adopted at the ICW 1998 in Washington, D.C.
The logframe approach is introduced into the CGIAR system with the intention to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of research and research management at all levels. It is not a bureaucratic prescription but should be applied in an undogmatic and flexible manner. The specific objectives of the system-wide institutionalisation of the logframe approach are the following.
(1) An output oriented approach in research planning and research management
Actors at all levels within the CGIAR system are able to identify relevant issues for research and define linkages from projects to centre and system objectives. Projects and centres are able to relate their objectives to the system logframe. Newly emerging issues are clearly identifiable and may result in a change in or addition to output definitions.
(2) Increased accountability at all levels
The responsibility to define specific research objectives remains within the centres. Individual researchers and research teams are accountable for achieving their self-defined project objectives. Centre management is held accountable for their respective contribution to achieving the system outputs. Projects and centres will monitor progress to identify strengths and weaknesses and assure a flexible response. Specific project priorities are set at the centre level in the context of generic goals and priorities defined at the system level.
(3) Increased transparency
The international agricultural research system has developed into a network comprising scores of actors within a very large number of organisations from field to national level and in many different countries. The fact that this network is highly decentralised increases the need for a transparent and flexible communication tool. The logframe is such a tool and has been used for different planning purposes by a large number of organisations in many countries. It will both increase internal transparency (again: within projects, within centres, within the CGIAR system) as well as external transparency (vis-à-vis partners at all levels and horizontal co-operation at all levels).
(4) Increased compatibility of management tools
The generalised use of a logframe approach is the basis for developing complementary or adjusting existing management tools, such as budgeting procedures, the reporting system, priority setting, and management information systems. The utilisation of the same terms/language will not lead to a mega-management system, but to a number of compatible building blocks with a fit. Throughout, procedures/tools are kept as simple as possible.
This manual is not on "theory" of the logframe approach, although it will have to present some general principles in the next chapter. Its intention is a practical one: to facilitate a wider use of logframes within the CGIAR system and to give practical hints to research managers within centres and partner organisations responsible for planning and steering research projects. The manual is part of an on-going process and may, in due time, have to be adjusted once "field experiences" have been reported.
In its present form, the manual serves the following objectives:
(1) Documentation of the state of discussion within the CGIAR system
From the very beginning, TAC has always insisted on the iterative and participatory character of logframe development. At present, on the basis of the accepted system-wide logframe, a fit with logframes at the project and centre levels is being sought. Results of some preliminary discussions following ICW 98 are included.
(2) Familiarisation of all actors within the CGIAR system with the logframe approach
Although there is considerable expertise in a number of centres, the level of logframe development and knowledge on methods is not uniform within the system. While accelerating the harmonisation process in terms of quality research planning, a coherent use of concepts, terminology, and procedures is indispensable. Notwithstanding future modifications, the terminology and procedures presented in this manual should be used to guarantee comparable results.
(3) Encourage use of logframe approach for organisational development
Some centres have experienced the logframe process as an extremely useful exercise in team building and organisational development. The manual wants to transport the idea that the process of introduction can be is as important as the concepts themselves.
(4) Institutionalisation of the dynamics of the logframe development
The manual cannot give answers or solutions to all questions and problems that may come up in the near future. Rather than being prescriptive about details, procedures are presented which are expected to lead to good results. While some of these procedures are well-established and may be directly useful, others may need to be adapted to the specifics of research planning in terms of topics or types of projects. Once the mutual basis for logframe planning has been established, the emphasis will be on compatibility rather than on rigid uniformity.
