Integrated Urban Conservation Management Framework for M&E-Systems Applying PDCA Method and Logic Model Approach

The need for improving the performance of Integrated Urban Conservation Interventions in terms of outputs, outcomes, and overall achievement of urban conservation goals by using monitoring and evaluation systems (M&E-systems) becomes more and more important and has been stressed and considered by many researchers and organizations recently. Although some attempts have been undertaken in Urban Planning, there is still a lack of an underlying conceptual framework for Key Performance Indicator (KPI) based M&E-systems that draws a holistic picture from an Integrated Urban Conservation point of view on the whole landscape. This paper proposes an analytically derived Integrated Urban Conservation Management Framework (IUCMF), including its functions, structure, and scope. The framework is based on ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), DIN 69909–2 (Multi-Project Management), and the Burra Charter Process and allows a high level of application flexibility for M&E-systems developer for a geographically defined area, according to cultural specifics, local features, and available regional data. The framework consists of a strategic and an operational level. The strategic level contains Integrated Urban Conservation policies, charters, and objectives, the objective breakdown according to regional specifics, and evaluation and impact of outcomes. The operational level considers the implementation of Integrated Urban Conservation targets and requirements via interventions at a place of cultural significance and contains program management, project management, and project phases. Inherent to this framework on both levels is the application of Plan-Do-Check-Act method (PDCA) and the Logic Model approach. The PDCA method foresees feedback loops within the IUCMF on a strategic level, but also within the programs and projects on an operational level. The logic model approach is inherent to the operational level, which allows monitoring of project performance. Objective determination and outcome evaluation are linked to the “Plan” and “Check” step on strategic level. Finally, the framework indicates the underlying activities (i.e., purpose factors) of each framework element as a precondition to derive Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for M&E-Systems. The IUCMF shall help researchers in developing appropriate M&E-systems but also policymakers, program managers, and local authorities to receive inputs for informed decisions regarding policy amendments, goal continuation, or project performance.