A results framework lays out a Bank intervention's (for example a project, the overall country program) objective(s) and the implicit strategy for achieving the objective(s). It captures the key elements of the results chain linking outcomes, outputs, and inputs.

Results frameworks can be used for:

• Strategic planning by outlining (country, project) objectives and contributions of operations and their outputs to achieving these objectives.
  
  
• Communication by setting out priorities, clarifying expectations and accountabilities, and identifying common areas/synergies across operations.
  
  
• Management by monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed.
  
  
• Learning by determining what works and what does not and comparing across similar operations.
  

• Allow an observer to comprehend the link between objectives and final and intermediate outcomes (and where appropriate Bank operations or outputs).
  
  
• Include monitoring indicators that are Specific, Measurable, Attributable, Realistic and Targeted (SMART).
  
  
• Contain a manageable number of indicators with baselines that can be used to regularly monitor progress.

• At the project level, they need to include outcome indicators that reflect the project objectives with baselines and targets to allow monitoring and evaluation.
  
  
• At the country level, the links between objectives, outcomes, and activities need to be made clear, monitoring indicators need to have baselines and targets, and the number of indicators needs to be kept at level where it does not present difficulties in data collection and analysis. (Click here for a detailed analysis of the CAS results frameworks.)