1993 PRISM (program performance information for strategic management) analytical frameworks : a user"s guide

Materials in the guide represent the status of strategic planning and performance measurement in USAID as of June 1993. The frameworks are presented in four areas: economic growth; human development (population and health); democracy; and natural resources and the environment. It is noted that only the first two of these frameworks are grounded in extensive empirical data and program experience and so possess firmer causal linkages between objectives and strategies, as well as more robust assumptions, than do the latter two. Also noted is the "up and down" structure of the frameworks. The "up" relationship indicates "why" a particular component is included in the framework, whereas the "down" relationship explains "how" an objective is to be accomplished. For example, the lower-level objective of "expanding the retraining of displaced workers" is explained as a means of accomplishing the upper-level objective of "improving access to employment opportunities." Accompanying each analytical framework are tables presenting definitions of and rationales for strategic objectives, program outcomes, and program strategies. A table showing selected performance indicators for each strategic objective and program outcome is also included for each sector. The incomplete and still evolving state of the analytical frameworks, and especially the performance indicators, presented in this guide is emphasized.