Research On Performance Evaluation Of Public Projects Based On Logical Framework Approach

There are some problems in Chinese public projects, such as lack of effective management and low efficiency. One of the major reasons is lack of performance evaluation method through the project cycle. This paper attempts to introduce Logical Framework Approach (LFA), implement performance evaluation of public projects based on the logical framework, for improving the current performance management of public projects.This paper analyzes theoretical foundation and institutional arrangements of performance evaluation of public projects, leading to the necessity of application of LFA. Then, introduces the basic principles of LFA, analyses its implementing in performance evaluation of public projects, and studies a case of public project. There are some contributions as the followings:1.This paper determines the scope of performance evaluation of public projects and proposes that project performance evaluation should permeate throughout the entire project cycle, including the pre-assessment, evaluation and post-evaluation periods, and then discusses the key points of application of LFA in performance evaluation during various periods. It is necessary to carry out analysis of the stakeholders and build logical framework of performance standards during pre-assessment period; in the phase of the duration, focus directly on performance evaluation of project inputs and outputs; during post-evaluation phase of the project, emphasize particularly on performance evaluation of the goals and objectives.2.According to the characteristics of public projects, the author structure performance evaluation index combining with logical hierarchy, and form preliminary performance evaluation index system.3.The author applies LFA to the post-evaluation of Water Diversion Project in Wudu and concludes as the following: pay close attention to improve living standards of migrants; plan carefully of assistant measures of the project in the programming phase, such as constructing of adjusting reservoir and promoting water-saving irrigation technology, to ensure that the project's outputs can be effectively transformed into direct purpose; consider the possible impacts from changes of external conditions, such as market prices of crops, and determine reasonable performance standards. 4.Based on the results of this study, the author proposes some suggestions on performance evaluation of public projects in China combining with LFA.