The diagram illustrates the different phases of the project cycle as well as the instruments used to produce documentation at each phase. Click on the wheel and each individual phase for more details. Macromedia Flash 5.0 plug-in is required to play the full demonstration

The consultants within the PCM Group have been involved in the development and dissemination of the Project Cycle Management method since 1992.

PCM (Project/Programme Cycle Management) Project/Programme Cycle Management (PCM) is the method introduced by the Euro­pean Com­mission for the identification, formulation (appraisal), implementation and evaluation of projects and programmes. It provides a consistent approach to all components of the intervention cycle, ensuring benefici­ary-orientation (relevance), a comprehensive per­spective on interventions (feasibility and sustainability) and effec­tive monitoring and evaluation. Because this approach has been proven to significantly improve the feasibility of plans and sustainability of the interventions, it is now also being implemented as the standard method for bilat­eral donors and NGOs throughout Europe and among na­tional governments in many recipient countries.

PCM is based on the simple fact that when these concepts and techniques are applied, working practices evolve and the effectiveness in managing the project cycle is significantly improved.

Because PCM orients interventions towards relevant, feasible (efficient & effective) and sustainable projects or programmes AND because PCM improves decision-making from the initial idea stage until evaluation.

LFA (Logical Framework Analysis) The fundamental tool of PCM is the LFA method (Logical Framework Analysis).

LFA is step-by-step procedure applying specific techniques in a participatory workshop setting for creating ownership among stakeholders, better focus on beneficiaries, realistic and measurable result-oriented objectives, quick decision-making, transparency of proposals and reporting, and easier management, monitoring and evaluation during the implementation of projects and programmes.

The key strength of LFA is that when well facilitated it enables effective communication in a structured way, thereby stimulating each stakeholder's input. Visualisation techniques are used to anchor the issues discussed and decisions made. The LFA technique also offers a framework within which alterations can be made, depending on the type of project or programme, the phase in the project cycle and the complexity of the issues to be resolved between the stakeholders.

Because of the nature of the LFA method, use of this approach requires extreme competence and confidence in applying and communicating PCM so that the requirements of each specific situation can be met and clients remain inspired and motivated. This is where the PCM Group comes in. Our experienced team provides highly professional moderation and training services and we are sought after internationally for our ability to analyse client's needs and expectations, establish clear objectives and deliverables and respond with flexibility. We apply LFA in all participatory planning and assessment workshops.

Programming

During this phase the roles of the project cycle manager(s) are:

• Organise an internal discussion on policy and strategies of both the recipient country and the donor organisation.
• Organise a participatory workshop to weigh as against to the policy objectives the different sectors and their specific problems justifying support.
• Collect evaluation findings on the sectors selected.
• Develop a strategy and criteria of how to comply with the strategy.
• Estimate a budget framework;

Identification

During this phase the roles of the project cycle manager(s) are:

• To verify the cohesion of the idea and the policy and strategy framework.
• To verify whether the project idea is relevant to the beneficiarie.
• To see to it that the beneficiaries are clearly specified and their perception listened to.
• To initiate and verify the quality of the identification of the real existing pressing problems and their causes.
• Assure that no pre-conceived solution is accepted without having verified the relevance to the beneficiaries.
• To launch a proper identification process if in doubt about the quality of the existing information.
• Draft the Terms of Reference for the identification process.
• If found opportune to identify and contract a moderator to guide the participatory workshop with the key stakeholders.
• Ensure the verification and incorporation of relevant lessons from evaluations (from different donors).
• To assess the pre-feasibility study document and check the presence and quality of all the required information.
• To ensure an agreement of principle on a possible project by decision makers on the choice of the project idea and the beneficiaries

Click here for an illustration of this phase

Formulation

During this phase the roles of the project cycle manager(s) are:

• To verify whether the identification has been properly done.
• If not yet done in the previous phase, to assess the pre-feasibility study document and check the presence and quality of all the required information.
• To ensure an agreement of principle on a possible project by decision makers on the choice of the project idea and the beneficiaries.
• To formulate the Terms of Reference of the feasibility study.
• To select the team of consultants with the right technical, social, cultural, environmental, financial, economic, and managerial expertise to carry out the feasibility study and formulate the project proposal.
• To monitor the proper implementation of the feasibility study.
• To receive and assess the quality of the feasibility study and the attached project proposal (the design of the project presenting the objectives and the WHAT should be done by the project, is to be summarised in the form of a Logical Framework matrix, and the HOW the implementation is going to be organised internally by the implementing agencies is to be presented in separate Management Matrixes for each of the agencies as well as for the project management providing support to the respective agencies).
• Request for a letter of commitment from the recipient authorities and intended implementing agencies.
• To transpose the information presented in the feasibility study and attached draft project proposal into the required format of the proposal.
• Have the budget and technical design verified by external expertise.
• Present the project proposal to the decision makers.

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Financing

During this phase the roles of the project cycle manager(s) are:

• Identify the budget allocation.
• Initiate and follow-up the tendering process - select consultants or / and implementing agencies.
• Negotiate the pre-conditions and assumptions with the recipient authorities.
• Prepare the financing agreement with the recipient authorities.

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Evaluation

During this phase the roles of the project cycle manager(s) are:

• Discuss the design of the evaluation with the implementing agencies (verification of objectives and indicators).
• Draft the Terms of Reference of the evaluation.
• Tender / contract the team of evaluators.
• Initiate the selection of national evaluators to join the team (joint evaluation).
• Identify and propose resource persons to be consulted.
• Insist on the presentation of the evaluation plan (deadlines).
• Facilitate the official introduction of the team at the recipient authorities (mandate).
• Organise intermediary meetings with the evaluation team on progress and preliminary findings.
• Monitor the execution of the evaluation with the project staff and recipient authorities.
• Insist on the delivery of draft reports and a final version.
• Initiate the preparation of a summarised "sexy version" of "lessons" for dissemination.
• Organise information sessions to have the findings of the evaluation presented to decision makers and stakeholders.
• Ensure the dissemination of the report to stakeholders.
• Ensure the recording of the findings in an evaluation data-base.

Click here for an illustration of this phase

Frequently asked questions on PCM (FAQ)

Click to view the Frequently Asked Questions/Glossary on PCM

Click here for a joke on the Cycle