Conclusions
The hierarchy of objectives is a logical framework for project analysis. It
is especially useful as a way of getting advice and feedback from stakeholders
including sponsors, beneficiaries, management and other experts. It is an excellent
tool for developing a shared understanding of the project, and establishing commitment
to it. Ideally, the logical framework should be developed collaboratively with
all stakeholders represented in workshop settings, or by similar cooperative
means. Project reviewers can use the hierarchy of objectives to evaluate the
project to see if inputs are likely to lead to the desired higher-level objectives.
The project manager can use the logic to understand a project's measures of
success, especially during implementation, to assess the project's progress.
He or she can also use the hierarchy to motivate the project team by focusing
on objectives and success rather than suffering misalignment that could affect
the project negatively. The logical framework can also be used to understand
the assumptions made when planning the project. This is important because the
project manager must know if, and when, significant changes occur in the assumptions
that require a change in direction. Significant changes in assumptions are much
easier to detect if clearly stated in the format suggested.
Post-project evaluation also benefits from having a hierarchy of objectives.
The evaluation is much easier when the objectives and measures exist from the
beginning, and is obviously much less contentious, than if the post-project evaluators
have to develop their own basis for comparison. This is especially true for a
lengthy project when the political climate may have changed.
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Summary