Programming and Project Formulation Wokshop
Methods and Tools for Project Formulation
Methods and Tools for Project Formulation
Problem Tree Analysis Stakeholder Analysis Logical Framework Analysis Goal-Oriented Project Planning
(ZOPP)
Methods and Tools
1. The Problem Tree
Purpose: to identify major problems and their main causal
relationships.
Output: a graphical arrangement of problems
differentiated according to ‘causes’ and ‘effects
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Core Problem Approach
1. Identify a “core” or central problem
2. List all the problems related to or stemming from the core problem
3. Determine which related problems are causes and which are effects of the core problem
4. Arrange the problems in a cause-effect heirarchy around the core problem
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Problem Tree ExampleMethods and Tools
From Problems to Objectives
The Problem Tree provides the basis for:
a) the identification of specific project objectives (by converting problems or constraints into specific objectives)
b) the definition of project activities and outputs (by substituting cause-effect relationships with means-end relationships)
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Problem Tree Analysis
Relies on:
• Group-based inter-action eg. Workshop format
• Participation of key stakeholders
• Process facilitation
• Achieving consensus on problems, causes and effects
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2. Stakeholder Analysis
Purpose:
to identify those groups who, directly or indirectly, will affect or be affected by a project.
To determine, through consultation, the issues, concerns and information needs of different stakeholders
To estimate the probable impact which various stakeholders will have on the project
To identify measures to enhance stakeholder support for the sustainable development objectives of the project.
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What is a Stakeholder?
• Any group within or outside a project that has a stake in the project’s activities and/or outcomes.
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Categories of Project Stakeholders
Government Local Authorities Vulnerable groups Employers Workers NGOs
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Importance of Stakeholder Analysis
Stakeholder Analysis promotes the three necessary conditions for the effective implementation of a project.
1. Awareness/Comittment: that stakeholders understand and believe in the objectives and implementation strategy of the project.
2. Capability: that stakeholders believe they can cope with and benefit from the changes which the project is intended to bring
3. Inclusion: that stakeholders feel they are valued, consulted and part of the change process which the project represents
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Conducting a Stakeholder Analysis
Step 1: Identify and Categorize Project Stakeholders:
Identify project stakeholders (including local institutions, community interest groups, suppliers etc.) and then divide them amongst the categories mentioned earlier.
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Step 2
Create a Probable Character Profile for each Stakeholder by seeking answers to questions like:
What is the importance of the stakeholders for the project?
What does the stakeholder demand of the project?
What are the expected goals of the stakeholders?
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Step 3
Identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of the Stakeholders to the Project (SWOT)
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the stakeholders?
As a consequence, what are the opportunities and threats of the external environment?
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Step 4
Identify the main individuals/groups of Stakeholders who need special attention and propose specific measures in a summary table:
Stakeholder
Stakeholder Interest(s) in the
Project
Assessment of Impact
Potential Strategies for Obtaining Support or Reducing Obstacles
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Alternative Stakeholder Analysis Technique
a) (Draw up a Chart on a whiteboard or flipchart)
Att=attitude Inf=influence E=estimate C=confidence
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Draw up a chart
b) List stakeholders
Identify and list the stakeholders (individuals, or stakeholder groups, or both)
Transfer them to the left hand column of the chart in order of (perceived) importance
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c) Estimate Attitude and Confidence
Column 2: Record your best estimate of the stakeholder's attitude, from fully supportive to fully opposed. eg. from +5 to –5
Column 3: Record your level of confidence in this estimate eg. From 1 (fully confident) to 5 (wild guess)
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d) Estimate Influence and Confidence
Repeat (3) for Stakeholder’s perceived influence on the project
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e) Plan Strategies
Plan your strategies for approaching and involving each person or group.
The estimates in columns 2 to 5 help you to do this.
Your strategy is written in column 6. It usually takes the form of obtaining more information, or of involving the stakeholder in the planning of project activities
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3. Logical Framework Analysis
Q: What is Logical Framework Analysis?A: An analytical tool to assist project
specialists and stakeholders in conceptualising:
the objectives of a project; the means whereby these objectives will
be achieved how progress towards achieving
objectives will be measured and, the underlying assumptions and risks
which will be faced
Methods and Tools
The LogFrame Matrix
• The Logical Framework Approach uses a matrix or LogFrame to present information about project objectives, outputs and activities in a concise, logical and systematic way.
• The basic Log Frame matrix contains 16 cells organized into 4 columns and 4 rows, as indicated in the next slide:
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The LogFrame Matrix
Objectives (Narrative Summary)
Verifiable Indicators Means of Verification Important Assumptions
Goal: (Development Objective)
Purpose: (Immediate Objectives)
Outputs:
Activities: .
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Objectives (Narrative Summary)
Verifiable Indicators Means of Verification Important Assumptions
Goal: (Development Objective)
What are the quantitative ways of measuring, or qualitative ways of judging, whether these broad objectives are being achieved? (estimated time)
What sources of information exists, or can be provided cost-effectively?
What external factors are necessary for sustaining objectives in the long run?
Purpose: (Immediate Objectives)
What are the quantitative measures or qualitative evidence by which achievement and distribution of impacts and benefits can be judged (estimated time)
What sources of information exists or can be provided cost-effectively? Does provision for collection need to be made under inputs-outputs?
(Purpose to Goal): What conditions external to the project are necessary if achievements of the project’s purpose is to contribute to reaching the project goal?
Outputs: Indicate each of the outputs that are to be produced by the project in order to achieve project purpose
What kind and quantity of outputs, and by when will they be produced? (quantity, quality, time)
What sources of information?
(Output of Purpose): What are the factors not within the control of the project which, if not present, are liable to restrict progress from outputs to achievements of project purpose?
Activities: Indicate each of the activities that must be undertaken in order to accomplish the outputs.
VI’s should be included against all activities. This is essential for projects reporting and monitoring against the Logical Framework.
What are sources of information?
(Activity to Output): 1) What external factors must be realised to obtain planned outputs on schedule? 2) What kind of decisions or actions outside the control of the project are necessary for inception of the project?
Contents of the LogFrame Matrix
The LFA Process
Logical framework analysis is an iteritive process which seeks to promote clear conceptual thinking on what a project intends to do and how it intends to do it.
It is “logical” in the internal relationship between project objectives, outputs, activities (and inputs)
It is based on a consultative process between project authorities, beneficiaries and stakeholders
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Steps in Constructing a LogFrame
Step 1: Define the Overall Goal to which your project contributes ie. Development Objective
Step 2: Define the Purpose(s) to be achieved by the project (Immediate objectives)
Step 3: Define the Outputs for achieving this Purpose
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Step 4: Define the Activities for achieving each Output
Step 5: Define the Assumptions under which success in achieving the objective of one level will contribute to achieving objectives at the next level
Step 6: Define the Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVI) at Goal, Purpose, Output and Activity levels.
Step 7: Define the Means of Verification (MOV) ie. the source(s) of information for each indicator
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Why Use Logical Framework Analysis?
Because it demands clear thinking at the conceptual stage of project formulation
Because it brings together in one place a statement of all the key components of a project
Because it presents them in a systematic, concise and coherent way
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Because it separates out the various levels in the hierarchy of objectives, outputs and activities helping to ensure that they are not confused with each other
Because it identifies the main factors related to the success of the project
Because it provides a basis for monitoring and evaluation project success
… and because 9 out of 10 donors prefer it!
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Limitations of the LFA
It is not a substitute for other technical, economic, social and environmental analyses. It cannot replace the use of professionally qualified and experienced staff.
Rigidity in project management may arise when objectives and external factors specified during design are over emphasised.
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It requires a team process with good leadership and facilitation skills to be effective.
The whole culture of the Logical Framework can be alien in some societies.
Tips When Filling in a LogFrame
start at the top and work down the first column (what do you want to do?)
then think horizontally: how can I measure the progress of what I want to do and what sources of info do I need?)
then reflect back up (under what assumptions will success at one level contribute to (or detract from) success at the next level?
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4. Goal Oriented Project Planning: ZOPP
Zopp is a systematic structure for identification, planning, and management of projects
Applied through iterative workshops with project authorities, beneficiaries and stakeholders
Utilizes problem analysis and stakeholder analysis to create a project planning matrix or logical project framework
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Stages in the ZOPP Process
Pre-ZOPP: in-house exercise by agencies in preparation for a project.
Appraisal ZOPP: in-house appraisal for preparing Project TORs
Partner ZOPP: in-country; presentation and discussion of previous phase conclusions and recommendations with staff of project country
Take-off ZOPP: in-country; preparation of the plan of operations
with personnel responsible for project execution and counterpart authorities.
Re-planning ZOPP: prepared in-country; adjustments during
project implementation.
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Zopp Workshops
last from 1 day to 2 weeks (avg. 1 week) participants selected to represent all
interest groups basic premise: main interest groups must
be represented from all levels exercise requires a facilitator with a high
degree of experience and skill
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WS Content and Methodology
Based on a series of analysis and planning exercises comprising:
i) Analysis Participant analysis: (interests, motives, attitudes and
implications for project) Problem analysis: major problems grouped into a
problem-tree with cause and effect and identification of the core problem
Objectives analysis: a restatement of the problems into realistically achievable goals;
Alternatives analysis: assessment of alternative objectives according to resources, feasibility, cost-benefit ratio, social risks, sustainability and other factors as decided by group. Prepared on charts.
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ZOPP’s Project Planning Matrix (PPM)
The PPM is a Logframe Matrix. It is central to ZOPP-based project work because the process of building it relies on repeated, collaborative stakeholder input. The PPM It is a one-page summary of:
why the project is carried out, what the project is expected to achieve, how the project is going to achieve these results, factors crucial for the success of the project, how can success be measured, where data is needed to assess project success, what the project will cost.
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ZOPP’s Iterative Workshops
• ZOPP is not a oneshot exercise; • Each plannng phase has a specific goal• Each goal is the subject of a workshop• Each workshop comprised of different
stakeholders• Participants analyse key issues throughout
the project cycle.• No set formula for successful workshop. • All need to create common language and
understand one another divergent views
ZOPP’s Iterative ProcessMethods and Tools
Conclusion
Collaboration is not "automatically" part of the ZOPP process. The project team, borrower/donor, and stakeholders must commit to adopting a participatory stance for the overall project; otherwise, the ZOPP process is merely an organizing tool.
ConclusionMethods and Tools