Project Cycle Management Training Handbook - CFCU

Project Cycle Management Training Handbook
Chapter 5 Using the LFA to Assess Project Proposals
Has the right
information been
provided?
This Chapter explains how the Logical Framework Approach can be
used to assess a project proposal in order to identify weaknesses in
project design, and to formulate questions for preparatory studies. It
also provides guidance for assessing the quality of a Financing
Proposal.
5.1 Introduction
During the preparatory phases of the project cycle, the Logical
Framework Approach is primarily intended as a participatory
planning tool. However, it is also a powerful tool for ex-post analysis
of project proposals, the only difference being that the source of
information for problems is the project proposal rather than primary
data sources such as interviews, surveys, reports and statistics.
The purpose of applying the LFA to a proposal is to identify
weaknesses or gaps in the project’s design. These gaps will relate to
the RELEVANCE, FEASIBILITY or SUSTAINABILITY of the
project, and will have to be addressed through the conduct of
additional studies, or from existing sources. It is important to note
though that the technique merely assists in the desk study of an
existing proposal, and in no way substitutes for the participatory
planning approach that is central to the sound application of the LFA.
The PCM training programme offers two tools for assessing project
proposals:
� The Guide for Assessment of a Project Proposal, which is
intended for in-depth analysis of project proposals prior to the
formulation phase. Its purpose is to assist in the identification of
key questions and issues for inclusion in terms of reference for
feasibility studies.
� The Quality Assessment Tool, which is intended for quality
checking of draft financing proposals prior to their submission to
the relevant financing committee.
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