Step 3: Creating Your Logical Framework
Logical Framework tables (log frames) are commonly used for program planning, monitoring and evaluation, especially in international program contexts. A log frame explicitly ties your program plan to your monitoring and evaluation plan. We want to stress that the log frame should be used flexibly so that it remains tied to the work of your program and is truly relevant to the work you do.
Another tool that is used for program planning is the causal pathway. Sometimes the causal pathway is also used to plan monitoring and evaluation. Please use the log frame and/or causal pathway tables as best fits your planning, monitoring and evaluation needs. The log frame is covered in Module 4, and the causal pathway is covered in Module 3.
If you are working on the CD-ROM or have downloaded a copy of STEPS please save a copy of this to your computer and work on it from there. If you are working on the Internet, and you would like for your work to be saved on the web version of the log frame, then you will need to enter your email address on the site so that you will be able to save your work and access it later.
Task 1: Columns 1 and 2 of the Logical Framework
Group Exercise: Filling out Indicators on your Logical Framework
A. For impact indicators, focus only on the objectives. (
Tips: What About the Goals?)
- Gather the tools you will need with your team:
- The logical framework table
- The Worksheet: Your Turn - Developing M&E Indicators.
- notes from all stakeholder meetings you have held including filled out versions of Finding out What Success Looks Like
- Review your objectives and select at least one indicator for each objective based on all your preparatory work.
- Complete the Indicators Worksheet for each indicator. Refer to the checklist in the worksheet to ensure that the indicators you have identified meet the criteria for good indicators.
- Complete a master version of the Indicators Worksheet by listing all your indicators.
B. For monitoring (process) indicators, focus solely on your program activities.
- Use straightforward measures that tell you if the activity was performed as planned
- Put these measures in Column 2. These are sometimes referred to as outputs.
Worksheet: Logical Framework
Please add columns and rows as you need them.
Logical Framework: Fill in Columns 1 and 2 of the Logical Framework ONLINE
(Website Registration required)
Option 1: 
Word Download Word version of the log frame in order to work on your own computer. We highly recommend you download it to your PC before working in it. The Word version is best for modifying the form to suit your needs, for example, adding rows and columns.
Option 2: 
PDF Download PDF version of the log frame in order to print. PDF files are best for viewing and printing.
Option 3: 
Fill out the form Online..To enable you to view the entire form at a glance, we have restricted the number of characters to be entered into each text box. Therefore, we only recommend using the online form if you do not need to enter a lot of information. In order to use the online form, you will first need to create an account, and then log in
