Why indicators should be objectively verifiable

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All rights reserved. The Open University is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to its secondary activity of credit broking. Skip to main content. Search for free courses, interactives, videos and more! Free learning from The Open University. Featured content. Free courses. All content. For example achievement of all the output level objectives should lead to achieving the purpose. Each of these links between the objectives is connected by a hypotheses.

For example at the bottom level - the implementation hypotheses the implication is "we believe that in the environment of this project the planned outputs will produce the planned result. At this level, the hypotheses are usually supported by research or experience. The explanation of the hypotheses at the other levels is similar. The horizontal logic has similar features to the vertical logic.

In this case, the links between the levels of objectives are the items in the External Factors column. For example, if the project is successful in implementing all of the planned activities, we ask ourselves, what circumstances or decisions outside the project's control could prevent the delivery of the project outputs.

The term " deceptively simple" implies that the description given on this web site is not exhaustive and does not explain all the nuances of the Logical Framework project design tool. Proper use of the tool require practice. The logical Framework Document - Details Click the icon on the left to return to the logframe diagram.

Introductory concepts The Logical Framework as a document is deceptively simple. Return to top of page Overview In the empty logframe shown below the terms in brackets are alternative terms. Activities 1. Inputs 1. Overview In the empty logframe shown below the terms in brackets are alternative terms. Narrative Summary. Means of Verification -MOVs. External Factors Assumptions. Development Objective. Outputs Results 1.

We must go deeper. In the case of a bee-keeping training programme, for example, we must measure the number of people starting their business and maintaining it for longer than 6 months , the number of hives created etc. In most cases, it is useless to define indicators for levels below the results stage of the logical framework.

In some cases, we can even define impact indicators, regarding the long-term effects of the project after the end of its implementation. Qualitative or quantitative? Even though defining quantitative indicators is easier, it is important not to limit yourself to them. There are however limitations to project assessments based on indicators… Indicators have a tendency to simplify cause and effect relationships.

Real change always comes from a variety of factors. We tend to value and maximize the successes obtained, while sometimes concealing the less positive, or even negative, aspects of our action. This does not favour the analysis of our mistakes, which is vital to our learning and for improving our action in the long term. Finally, the focus is usually set on quantitative indicators that are easier to measure.

Tags: Indicator , monitoring , project formulation , project management Share. Add Your Comment. Submit Now. About the author. Camaleo Camaleo is a non-profit organisation that offers high quality consultancy services to social entities, regardless of their size and resources. Recent Posts.