Results have been defined througn indicators, which are quantifiable measurable or observable although some indicators may be qualitative
It will be difficult to know whether the Charter succeeds or fails if the expected results are not clearly articulated. An explicit definition of results – precisely what is to be achieved through the Charter and by when – keeps measurable objectives in sight, helps monitor progress toward those objectives, and assists with the adjustment and management of the Charter’s implementation.
The results framework serves to enable the Charter’s management to discuss and establish strategic development objectives and then link interventions to intermediate outcomes and results that directly relate to those objectives. This results framework is an explicit articulation of the different levels, or chains of results expected from the implementation of the Charter.
The results specified comprise the longer-term objectives (often referred to as ‘outcomes’ or ‘impact’), and the intermediate outcomes and outputs that precede and lead to desired longer-term objectives. This framework captures the essential elements of the logical and expected cause-effect relationships among outputs, intermediate results or outcomes, and impact. The groundwork for a results framework was developed through defining cause-effect linkages for the Charter’s stakeholder interventions.
Results have been defined through indicators, which are quantifiable, measurable or observable, although some indicators may be qualitative. The monitoring plan includes baseline values and targets expected for outputs and outcomes. It specifies the measures to be used for data gathering to ensure that the results framework is populated with data, updated with information at key points during the Charter’s implementation, and should be used in decision making.
Communication and reporting - The results framework will act as a vehicle for communicating about the resources, activities, and outcomes to signatories, key stakeholders, and the port community and development partners. This framework is an important tool in illustrating to the beneficiaries or community what the Charter is meant to achieve.
onsensus, coordination, and ownership - The results framework provides the opportunity for the Steering Committee to work with key stakeholders to agree on coordinating the implementation approach, to reach a consensus on expected results, to highlight and check the underlying assumptions, and to specify needed resources.
Evaluation - The specification of each level of results with associated indicators, measures, and targets establishes an effective framework for ongoing monitoring and evaluation, including earlier on in the programme cycle. The results framework clearly identifies how progress toward the targeted objectives will be measured and thus provides the basis for the development and use of the Steering Committee’s performance monitoring system. It also serves as the basic accountability tool for developing the evaluation approach to the Charter’s interventions.
Achieving strategic objectives - The strategic objectives are the ultimate driver of the Charter. Interventions range in complexity from simple ones by the community, to several interrelated interventions. All intermediate results needed to achieve the strategic objectives are specified, allowing partners to harmonise their efforts or to identify areas where additional programme activities will be needed.
Establishing an evidence-based approach to monitoring and evaluation - By including specific indicators of outcomes and impacts and identifying baselines and targets to be achieved, the results framework helps answer the question, “How will we know that the intervention has succeeded?”
Focusing the Charter on specific outcomes - The results framework clearly outlines the ultimate objectives of the Charter, rather than simply listing implementation activities, processes and inputs. It facilitates a focus on specific expected outcomes.
Measuring progress toward strategic objectives - The emphasis on concrete outcomes rather than on the completion of activities requires that Charter implementers monitor key outcome variables and make midstream corrections as necessary. The results framework is therefore a useful management tool, with programme implementation assessed in direct relationship to progress in achieving results, at the output, outcome and impact levels.
Highlighting the key linkages in the theory of change that underpins intervention - The results framework engages stakeholders in thinking through the theory of change that underpins the stakeholders’ interventions.
Management - Performance data should inform the Charter’s programming decisions. The results framework should guide the Steering Committee in taking corrective adjustments to activities, reallocating resources and re- evaluating targeted objectives or underlying assumptions. It will provide a way to understand and make decisions related to unintended (especially negative) effects of the programme.
In summary, this results framework underpins the Charter’s strategic planning process and serves as a living management tool, fostering ownership and consensus, guiding corrective actions, facilitating the coordination of development efforts, charting the course for achieving a strategic objective, and ultimately serving as a key accountability tool for evaluation.
