1. Objective- and Strategic Analysis
Project Cycle Management
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A short training course in project cycle management for
subdivisions of MFAR in Sri Lanka
MFAR, ICEIDA and UNU-FTP
Icelandic International Development Agency (ICEIDA)
Iceland
United Nations University Fisheries Training Programme (UNU-FTP)
Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR)
Sri Lanka

2. Content The purpose of objective analysis
How to build a objective analysis using post harvest losses case study
The purpose of strategy analysis
How to use objective analysis to assist development of strategic analysis
The purpose of strategic analysis in formulating the first column in the logical framework

3. Learning objectives After this lecture participants will understand:
the purpose of objective- and strategic analysis
how to formulate and build objective- and strategy analysis using post harvest losses case study

4. Analysis of objectives
The objectives tree ensures validity and completeness of the hierarchy of objectives (the means–end relationships)
It might be necessary to revise statements or to add new objectives in case they seem to be relevant and necessary to achieve the objective at the next higher level
Some problems cannot simply be reformulated, as they cannot be easily influenced (e.g. heavy rainfalls, insufficient budgets made available, etc.)

5. How to build a objective tree
Objective analysis for
post harvest losses

6. Step 1
Reformulate all negative situations of the problems analysis into positive situations that are
Desirable
Realistically achievable

7. Step 1 Reformulate Means Causes
Quality loss in transportation is reduced
Quality loss in transportation

8. Building objective tree

9. Step 2
Check the means-ends relationship to ensure validity and completeness of the hierarchy (cause-effect relationship are turned into means-ends linkages

10. Building objective tree II

11. Step 3 If necessary Revise statements
Add new objectives if these seem to be relevant and necessary to achieve the objective at the next higher level
Delete objectives which do not seem suitable or necessary

12. Objective analysis for post harvest losses

13. Strategy Analysis

14. Strategy analysis
The aim of strategy analysis is to divide the objectives tree into more consistent smaller sub-units that may compose the core for a project
Each of the sub-units of the objective tree can represent an alternative strategy for the future project
The project objectives set the framework for the strategy of the project

15. Strategy analysis
Analysis the identified (potential) objectives in relation to a set of ‘feasibility’ criteria
Selects an appropriate strategy for project implementation
Decision is based on policy priorities, budget, human resources, urgency, social acceptability, etc
Part of the objective tree is possibly not a part of the project but should be considered in the analysis of assumptions and risk

16. Strategy analysis
During the process of stakeholder analysis, problem analysis and the identification of potential project objectives, views on the potential merits or difficulties associated with addressing problems in different ways will have been discussed
These issues and options then need to be more fully scrutinized to help determine the likely scope of the project before more detailed design work is undertaken

17. Criteria for selection of the project strategy
RELEVANCE: the strategy corresponds to the needs of the stakeholders
EFFECTIVENESS: the lower level objectives of the strategy will contribute to achievement of the project purpose
EFFICIENCY: cost-effectiveness of the strategy in transforming the means into results
CONSISTENT with policies
SUSTAINABILITY of the project
ASSUMPTIONS and RISKS

18. Selection of a project strategy
Having selected a project strategy the different levels of objectives (immediate objective and development goal) can be identified, which will later on be transposed into the logical framework matrix

19. Some questions to be asked and answered
Should all the identified problems and/or objectives be tackled, or a selected few?
What are the positive opportunities that are most likely to bring out the desired results and promote sustainability of benefits?
What is the combination of interventions that are most likely to bring about the desired results and promote sustainability of benefits?
Should all the identified problems and/or objectives be tackled, or a selected few?
What are the positive opportunities that can be built on (from the SWOT)?
What is the combination of interventions that are most likely to bring about the desired results and promote sustainability of benefits?
What are the likely capital and recurrent costs implications of different possible interventions?
What is the most cost effective option(s)?
How can potential negative environmental impacts best be mitigated or avoided?
EC Guidelines

20. Some questions to be asked and answered
How is local ownership of the project best supported, including development of the capacity of local institutions?
What are the likely capital and recurrent costs implications of different possible interventions, and what can realistically be afforded?
What is the most cost effective option(s)?
EC Guidelines

21. Some questions to be asked and answered
Which strategy will impact most positively on addressing the needs of the poor and other identified vulnerable groups?
How can potential negative environmental impacts best be mitigated or avoided?
EC Guidelines

22. Analyzing strategic choices
This analytical stage is in some respects the most difficult and challenging, as it involves synthesizing a significant amount of information then making a complex judgment about the best implementation strategy (or strategies) to pursue
A number of compromises often have to be made to balance different stakeholder interests, political demands and practical constraints such as the likely resource availability

23. Strategy analysis

24. Strategy selection
The selected strategy will then be used to help formulate the first column of the Logical Framework, particularly in helping to identify the project Overall Objective, Purpose and potential Results

25. References
European Commission (2004). Project Cycle Management Guidelines. Downloaded 1st March from: