{"id":22527,"date":"2021-05-07T09:07:08","date_gmt":"2021-05-07T09:07:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.guidaeuroprogettazione.eu\/guida\/getting-started-getting-to-work\/how-to-structure-a-project-a-practical-example-and-other-tools\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T11:54:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T11:54:53","slug":"how-to-structure-a-project-a-practical-example-and-other-tools","status":"publish","type":"guida","link":"https:\/\/euknow.it\/en\/guida\/working-on-projects\/how-to-structure-a-project-a-practical-example-and-other-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"How to structure a project: a practical example and other tools"},"content":{"rendered":"

The previous section<\/a> explains how the logical framework is the most widely used and effective tool for structuring a project.<\/p>\n

However, as shown in that section, the logical framework is not a starting point, but a step in a more structured process that involves (in addition to other aspects) an in-depth analysis of the context and issues that the project intends to address.<\/p>\n

Because the process can be challenging for first-timers, we provide below a practical example of how the logical framework and other related analysis tools can be used to formulate a design. The example given concerns the development of a hypothetical project to benefit a poor river community whose economic (fishing revenues) and environmental (citizen health) balance is threatened by river pollution.<\/p>\n

The example is taken in its entirety from the Project Cycle Management<\/a> Guidelines manual, a reference guide from the European Commission.<\/strong><\/h6>\n

The “logical framework”<\/h3>\n

The nature and use of the logical framework are explained in the previous section<\/a>. As a reminder, we provide below a summary diagram of its main elements. <\/p>\n

\"Logical<\/a>
Logical framework table<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stakeholder analysis<\/h2>\n

A first and indispensable analysis to be performed in the design of a project is that of the characteristics of the relevant “stakeholders,” where “stakeholders” refers to the individuals or institutions that may influence or be influenced by the project.<\/p>\n

This matrix provides an example of the aspects that can be evaluated and how to effectively organize stakeholder information.<\/p>\n

\"Stakeholder<\/p>\n

SWOT analysis<\/h2>\n

The preliminary analysis covers strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the most salient element of the project (as explained in the previous chapter<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Taking up the case study of the river community, the matrix below represents a SWOT analysis of informal fishing cooperatives. The analysis assesses their ability to represent their members and act as a factor for change. <\/p>\n

\"SWOT\"<\/p>\n

“Spider’s web” diagram<\/h2>\n

The “spider web” diagram is another effective tool used at the project formulation stage.<\/p>\n

Allows visual representation of:\n– the most relevant dimensions of the context\n– comparisons between different subjects\n– differences between current and desired situation<\/p>\n

The example concerns the Environmental Protection Agency, evaluated in terms of its institutional and organizational capabilities.<\/p>\n

\"Spider<\/p>\n

Problem Tree<\/h2>\n

As explained in the previous section<\/a> (par. “From analysis to logical framework”), the formulation process continues with the construction of the problem tree.<\/p>\n

The problem tree (below) is derived from a thorough analysis of the context. It organizes problems in a clear hierarchy:\n– vertically by cause-effect relationships\n– horizontally by parallel problems that contribute to a higher problem <\/p>\n

This organization is essential to define the project strategy and logical framework.<\/p>\n

\"Problem<\/p>\n

Goal Tree<\/h2>\n

The goal tree is the positive reformulation of the problem tree, keeping the same logical structure.<\/p>\n

\"Goal<\/p>\n

Intervention strategy<\/h2>\n

The intervention strategy is the choice of areas in the problem tree that the project decides to focus on.<\/p>\n

This choice is guided by criteria of:<\/p>\n