Small business

14.2 Monitoring frameworks and procedures
Objective: To monitor procedures using the logical framework mechanism.
A much-utilised means for monitoring policy and programmes, favoured by donors, is the logical
framework or log frame. There are several variations of the framework but broadly it divides itself into a
number of key headings as follows:
Summary, which embraces: 
• The overall development objective, which provides the basic framework;
• The immediate objective, defining the focus of the overall objective and indicating what specific
changes are planned and who will benefit; 
• The outputs, also indicating the specific means by which the objectives are to be met;
• The activities needed to achieve the outputs, including responsibilities and timetables.
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In relation to each of the above there will be established:
Verifiable indicators setting out what needs to be monitored.
Means of verification establishing which information sources are to be used for this purpose.
Assumptions on which the planned achievements are based but which are beyond the control of this
specific programme activity.
The log frame will conventionally contain specific targets against which the programme will be monitored.
It requires adequate data systems covering all key aspects of the programme. 
Like all planning frameworks, log frames are based on analysis at a particular period of time and need
to be used as a basis for regular discussion and review. They should preferably be set up with the close
involvement of the recipient institutions, the relevant intermediaries and the key stakeholders. Under these
conditions they are a useful instrument for change in response to circumstance. Major problems occur when
they are used for control at a distance, to measure performance. There are many examples of how this can
lead to pursuit of objectives/actions rendered irrelevant by the passage of time or changed circumstance.
A simple application of the log frame format to a microfinance programme is given in the box below. A
fuller outline of the format and a more formal example of the layout of a log frame are provided in Annex 10.