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How to Make a Responsibility Assignment Matrix for a Project (Template Included)

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The most important resource you’ll employ to deliver the project is people. They have to fit into the schedule and maintain the project budget. Defining what their roles and responsibilities are when executing tasks and delivering on the project goals is an important part of controlling the project.

How can you coordinate all the people who are involved in a project so they know what they’re doing and don’t block others from doing what they are assigned? Using a responsibility assignment matrix can help. An assignment matrix gives your project a team that gets things done.

What Is a Responsibility Assignment Matrix in Project Management?

A responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) is a project management chart used to identify and define the various people and organizations and outline each of their roles in working on tasks or delivering a part of the project.

Project managers use an assignment matrix to clarify what cross-functional teams do within the boundaries of the project and its numerous processes. Sometimes a responsibility assignment matrix is required when responding to a request for proposal (RFP).

ProjectManager manages project information by allowing teams to attach files directly to tasks, and our unlimited file storage keeps important project documents at your fingertips anywhere, anytime. Commenting on tasks can save time and tagging others in the project team creates a communication process that avoids the pitfalls of redundancies or unnecessary meetings.

Kanban board with task card pop up

Types of Responsibility Assignment Matrix

Using a responsibility assignment matrix is important in project management as it clarifies roles and responsibilities among the project team. It helps ensure accountability, enhances communication and streamlines project execution . There is, however, more than one type of responsibility assignment matrix. Here are some examples of the more common ones.

RACI Matrix

A RACI matrix is a visual tool that defines four key roles and responsibilities of the project team. It determines who is responsible, accountable, consulted and informed, the definitions of which follow. Not only does this clarify roles, but enhances communication, increases accountability and provides efficiency in the project management process.

  • Responsible: Notes who is responsible for executing the task, which is then assigned to them.
  • Accountable: Notes who has decision-making authority and how that power is delegated throughout the project team.
  • Consulted: Notes who can offer insight into the task, from team members to stakeholders.
  • Informed: Notes who is updated on what in terms of progress and performance, as well as when and how this information is disseminated.

This creates a map of connections between activities and project team members. Depending on the size of the project, there can be several assignment matrices used for various project levels.

DACI Matrix

A DACI matrix is also used to clarify roles and responsibilities, but unlike the RACI matrix, this one is focused on who the decider or person who provides the final decision in the project is. It also identifies the people who are accountable for the task or deliverables, who are consulted during the decision-making process and who should stay informed on progress.

RASCI or RASIC Matrix

This variation on the RACI matrix stands for responsible, accountable, supportive, informed and consulted. It, like all responsibility assignment matrices, defines roles for the project team . It also enhances collaboration by highlighting who provides support, which fosters better teamwork and communication. This improves accountability as everyone knows what they’re responsible for.

CARS Matrix

The CARS matrix is a project management tool designed to clarify roles similarly to the other responsibility assignment matrix described above. It stands for contributor, which is the team responsible for specific tasks or deliverables; accountable, who is the person responsible for the successful completion of the task; review, the individuals who review the work done by the contributors and provide feedback; and, finally, support for those who support the contributors, which could be anything from resources, tools and expertise to assisting in the completion of tasks.

PACSI Matrix

Another responsibility assignment matrix is the PACSI matrix. This acronym stands for Performer, or the team member responsible for executing a specific task; accountable, again, the person accountable for that work’s successful completion; consulted, who is sought out during the decision-making process; supportive, those who provide support for the performers; and informed, who just need to stay updated on progress .

RACI-VS Matrix

A variation on the RACI matrix is the RACI-VS matrix. It’s the same as a RACI matrix but includes two other parts: validator and supportive. These are defined as the person or group responsible for validating the deliverables, ensuring they meet the required standards and specifications, for the former, and the latter being the individuals or teams that provide assistance or resources to help those responsible for completing the tasks.

RACI-Q Matrix

Another variation on the RACI matrix is this one, which is the same, except for the addition of a quality. This responsibility assignment defines who has the role of ensuring that the output meets the required quality standards for the project. This might include reviewing the work, conducting tests or providing feedback on deliverables.

what does a responsibility assignment matrix do

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RACI Matrix Template

Use this free RACI Matrix Template for Excel to manage your projects better.

Why Create a Responsibility Assignment Matrix?

The assignment matrix identifies what everyone on the team is responsible for, which means not only what their duties are, but how they participate in the project. Some will have defined tasks, others will offer help with work, and some are designated as decision-makers. These groups all have an identity and function within the project to help guide it towards a successful end.

Clear communication leads to more efficient projects. An assignment matrix facilitates better communication between team members and provides transparency by creating a system to make sure everyone is updated and always on the same page. Belaboring communications can bog down a project with too many pointless meetings and confusing interactions in which people try to understand what they’re supposed to be doing. Using the responsibility assignment matrix helps, but having project management software that connects teams in real time is ideal.

When Should a Responsibility Assignment Matrix Be Created?

The responsibility assignment matrix would be created at the start of the project . You’d want to have everyone on the project team aware of where they stand in terms of their involvement before they start executing tasks.

As much as its use is a preventative measure, it can be used prescriptively. If you’re deep into the project and things are not moving as planned, there could be communication gridlock. If team members are not in the loop, or misconstrue what they’re supposed to be doing, using a responsibility assignment matrix might untie those knots in the communication channel.

If there’s a problem with leadership overruling suggestions on how to advance the project and this is seen as a problem, the roles and responsibilities of the project team likely need refining. The responsibility assignment matrix defines who has the authority to make decisions and using it or revisiting can determine if the right people are in that position.

In fact, any of the definitions might need reexamining at any phase in the project. Perhaps tasks are falling behind schedule. This could be because team members aren’t aware of what tasks they own. Anytime a delay occurs, returning to the assignment matrix is a good first step, even if you went through the process as you should during the planning stage of the project.

How to Create a Responsibility Assignment Matrix

The actual making of a responsibility assignment matrix is not as difficult as getting everyone on board with what their roles and responsibilities are.

Therefore, you want to include your team in the process, get their input and eventually buy in without spending too much time and energy on the process. Follow these steps to make sure everyone is in agreement and you’ll have a successful responsibility assignment.

  • Identify all the participants involved in the project, from team members to stakeholders and everyone in between.
  • List all deliverables associated with the project. Use a work breakdown structure to make sure you don’t miss any.
  • Meet with team members on how to execute the tasks to create the deliverables. Every task needs to be discussed in terms of the team’s responsibility and authority.
  • Draft the responsibility assignment matrix using a table with the project tasks listed on the left-hand column. Across the top add the name of everyone in the project.
  • Where the tasks meet the project team member, assign whether they’re responsible, accountable, consulted or informed.
  • When completed, share the responsibility assignment matrix with the project team and stakeholders and hold a meeting if necessary to make sure everyone understands their part in the project. If you’re working in a shared space, print out a copy and post it.

Responsibility Assignment Matrix Example

The best way to understand how a responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) works is to take a look at an example of how it could be used in a real-life scenario. For this responsibility assignment matrix example, we’ll use a RACI matrix , which is the most commonly used type of RAM.

For this example, let’s imagine the construction of an apartment complex . A real estate developer is building this multi-story building, which involves key stakeholders, such as the project manager, lead architect, lead engineer, general contractor, subcontractors and the legal team.

Responsibility assignment matrix example

Let’s look at various parts of the project and define responsibilities. The project manager is responsible and accountable for planning but consults with the architect, engineer and legal team. The general contractor is kept informed during this process.

The legal team is responsible and accountable for site survey and land acquisition, while the project manager is consulted and the architect and engineer informed. The architect is responsible and accountable for the design process , with input from the project manager and engineer. The engineer is responsible and accountable for the structural design, consulting with the project manager and architect and keeping the general contractor informed.

While there are many more steps, such as permits, approvals, foundation and building frame construction, let’s jump ahead to the final approval and handover. At this point in the project , the project manager is accountable and responsible for this process, but the architect, engineer and general contractor are consulted and the legal team is kept informed.

Free Responsibility Assignment Matrix Template

Using a RACI template is a shortcut that sets up your team and the project for success. ProjectManager is more than an award-winning software that organizes tasks, teams and projects to streamline work and boost productivity, it’s also the online hub for all things project management.

Among the hundreds of blog posts, guidebooks and tutorial videos are dozens of free templates that can help you through every phase of your project’s life cycle . Using our free RACI template will help you guide all the project teams better, allowing them to know where they stand about the project and what their level of responsibility and accountability is.

Use it at the start of the project to avoid delays and untangle any communicative knots that are preventing the project from progressing as planned. To keep your project on track, download our free RACI template and get a head start on building a workable responsibility assignment matrix.

RACI Matrix Template for Excel

Best Practices When Making a Responsibility Assignment Matrix

Using our free RACI template is a good start, but you have to make sure you fill it in correctly. A responsibility assignment matrix is only as good as the effort put into creating it. Here are some best practices to apply when you’re in the process of building your assignment matrix.

  • Involve the team: They’re the ones who will be executing the work. You want their input and buy-in to avoid any costly mistakes or time-consuming questions about what wasn’t made clear at the beginning of the project.
  • Identify every single task: Identify all the tasks required to reach your final deliverable . Once you have that thorough list make sure that there is only one person on the team who is accountable.
  • Update your RACI regularly: Make sure that each new one is marked as the most current version and is distributed to everyone on the team. There will be times when you’ll want to revisit the responsibility assignment matrix or personnel changes will require an edit.
  • Share responsibility viably: One person shouldn’t have to shoulder the bulk of the responsibilities for the project and you want to give authority throughout the project team and not just among the very top management team.
  • Optimize tasks: Managers can use the RACI matrix to see if too many team members have been assigned to a task. Maybe these workers could be spread out for greater productivity. There could be too many people listed as consulted, which slows down the process. The assignment matrix is endlessly useful.

How ProjectManager Helps You Manage Projects Better

ProjectManager is an online tool that connects everyone in real time to facilitate planning, monitoring and reporting on the project. It works to give everyone on the project team a job and the knowledge as to where they have authority and when to consult others, as well as defining the reporting process .

Let’s look at the people who are responsible, for example, the team who execute the project. Once invited into the software, you can share the project plan, assign them tasks, add detailed direction, add a deadline and tag for priority and more. The teams can then collaborate by attaching files and images to the tasks and commenting in real time to work better together.

Task list with open task card for collaboration ProjectManager

Those who need to stay informed of the project can do so by also getting invited into the project and sharing plans and schedules with them. Stakeholders can stay updated with reporting features that can generate reports on project variance, cost, time and more with one click. Then share them as a PDF. Reports can even be quickly filtered to zero in on the data stakeholders are interested in.

Portfolio status report in ProjectManager

The responsibility assignment matrix can help you reallocate your resources when things aren’t progressing as planned. Use our software to get further insight. The resource management features include a workload chart that’s color-coded so it’s easy to see who has too many tasks and who can take on more work. Then you can simply reallocate those resources from the workload page to help your team work more productively.

Workload chart in ProjectManager

ProjectManager gets you organized and keeps your team focused on their tasks and stakeholders in the loop. Gain efficiencies throughout every aspect of your project’s life cycle with an online Gantt chart to schedule work and kanban boards, a visual workflow feature that provides transparency into production. All that and it’s on a collaborative platform to keep everyone connected. Try ProjectManager today for free.

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What Is a RACI Matrix? Definition, Examples, Uses

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Successful project management depends on a team-wide understanding of roles and responsibilities. Using a RACI matrix to assign and define each role is a great way to keep a project on track and positioned for success, especially when used in conjunction with other documents like the requirement traceability matrix.

RACI chart example.

What is a RACI Matrix?

A RACI matrix is a tool in project management designed to clarify team roles and responsibilities across tasks. 

Each role is categorized as Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, or Informed, ensuring that everyone understands their role in a project’s success. By assigning these roles, project managers prevent confusion and overlapping duties while increasing accountability. 

The RACI framework is especially beneficial for complex projects where clear role distribution is essential for smooth workflows and improved communication.

How Does a RACI Chart Help Project Managers?

Project managers use RACI charts to keep track of team roles and relay those responsibilities to the larger team.

The matrix defines clear roles and responsibilities for individual team members across the various phases of the project, breaking the roles down into four types. Each letter of the project management acronym stands for a designation: those who are responsible and accountable for project deliverables, those who should be consulted as work begins, and stakeholders who need to be informed of ongoing progress, roadblocks, and updates. 

4 Core Roles of RACI Defined

Responsible.

The individual(s) with responsibility for the task or deliverable is responsible for developing and completing the project deliverables themselves. The responsible parties are typically hands-on team members who make direct contributions toward the completion of the project. The responsible team is composed of the project’s doers, who work hands-on to ensure that each deliverable is completed. 

Some examples of responsible parties are:

  • Project managers
  • Business analysts
  • Graphic designers
  • Copywriters

One risk when using a RACI matrix is unintentionally overloading a single team member with too many responsibilities. If one person is designated as Responsible for too many tasks, they may struggle to manage their workload, leading to delays or burnout. To avoid this, project managers should carefully distribute responsibilities across the team and ensure that no individual is overwhelmed. Regularly reviewing the matrix throughout the project helps identify and address any imbalances before they become critical.

Accountable

Accountable parties ensure accountability to project deadlines, and ultimately, accountability to project completion. This group frequently also falls under the informed category.

Some examples of accountable parties are:

  • Product owners
  • Signature authorities
  • Business owners
  • Key stakeholders

By clearly defining roles, a RACI matrix prevents decision-making bottlenecks and confusion in the approval process. When roles are ambiguous, critical decisions can get delayed, as team members might not know who holds final accountability. The RACI model eliminates this issue by ensuring that the individual responsible for approvals is clearly designated as Accountable . Additionally, identifying who needs to be consulted or informed reduces unnecessary back-and-forth, allowing decisions to be made quickly and efficiently without roadblocks. This clear communication flow optimizes project progression and prevents delays.

Consulted individuals’ opinions are crucial, and their feedback needs to be considered at every step of the game. These individuals provide guidance that is often a prerequisite to other project tasks, for example, providing legal guidance on a project throughout the process. If you are working on new product development or expansion, this could essentially be the entire organization.

Some examples of consulted parties are:

  • Legal experts
  • Information security and cybersecurity experts
  • Compliance consultants

Informed persons are those that need to stay in the loop of communication throughout the project. These individuals do not have to be consulted or be a part of the decision-making, but they should be made aware of all project updates. Typically, this party are business owners or stakeholders that are more interested in viewing the project at a 30,000-foot view.  Keep this group on your CC list for awareness of topics, decisions, and progress — that includes making them part of the initial project kickoff and project demos as optional attendees. This group often also falls under the accountable group.

Some examples of informed parties are:

  • Project committee members
  • External stakeholders

Why Are RACI Roles Important?

The same way a requirements traceability matrix provides accountability to project requirements by mapping out the relationship between these requirements and the project work, RACI roles provide a sense of organization and clarity for teams that are looking to divide roles and keep team members accountable for their contributions. Considering that 27 percent of projects go over budget, for reasons like scope creep and lack of defined roles, RACI roles help position a project for success and avoid common pitfalls. 

RACI roles help ensure that communication between all roles is ongoing. When you consider that nearly half of all project spending is at risk of being wasted due to a lack of effective team-based communication, it becomes all that more important to prioritize. 

How RACI helps with communication

The RACI matrix significantly enhances communication by clearly defining who needs to be involved at each stage of a project. By outlining who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed, it ensures that the right stakeholders are engaged at the right times. 

This structured approach reduces miscommunication, which is one of the most common causes of project failure , as team members know exactly who to reach out to for input or updates. Keeping stakeholders informed also improves transparency, preventing misunderstandings and ensuring everyone is aligned with project goals and timelines.

How to Create a RACI Matrix

If you’re looking to implement a RACI matrix as part of your team’s project planning process, take these steps to create a RACI matrix.

  • Plan ahead before taking action. Ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the project and its demands before outlining any further steps by communicating with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
  • Define the scope of the project. List down all key activities and deliverables from the director of program management or other leadership. 
  • Determine who the involved parties are. Know who is needed to be a part of the project or initiative.
  • Outline each project role. Determine the project roles and responsible job titles and persons for each activity and deliverable.
  • Gather as a group. Hold review sessions with key members of the team for alignment, and if you haven’t already, host a kickoff meeting with the entirety of the team and key stakeholders to unveil the matrix, address questions, and more. 

If the project has already started, it’s not too late to implement a RACI matrix. Just follow the following steps:

  • Outline the story. Using research from multiple sources, do a, b, c, and d.
  • Utilize steps 2 and 3 (as shown above) . Ensure the right groups are assigned and engaged. 
  • Hold a review session. Ensure that the team acknowledges and discusses the plan and the roles assigned.

If you need more information on how to create a RACI matrix, there are several RACI training courses and other resources you can use to get started.

RACI Matrix Examples

A RACI matrix example with a list of deliverables and the assigned party for each.

A RACI matrix helps break down what roles individuals will play as work is carried out and to what extent they will be involved in the project overall. The horizontal axis represents each person on the project team and the vertical axis represents each task.

Each square of the matrix represents an individual, a task, and that individual’s role within the project, either responsible, accountable, consulted, or informed. 

In this situation, for example, the project manager is accountable for assessing risk, defining performance requirements, creating designs, executing construction, and approving construction work. However, they are only informed about approving construction work and defining functional and aesthetic needs.

Who Creates the RACI Matrix?

The RACI matrix — sometimes called RACI model, RACI diagram, or simply just RAC — is created by the project manager at the start of the project as a key part of establishing the initial human resources planning for the project. 

Because miscommunication is a common threat to any project, RACI charts are a great asset to teams dealing with any type of work, from very simple projects to extremely complex ones. 

Software Integration with Common PM Tools

Integrating the RACI Matrix into project management software makes it easier to assign roles and responsibilities. Here’s how the RACI Matrix works with popular tools:

asana logo.

Asana allows you to assign tasks and label roles like Responsible or Accountable directly in its project boards. By integrating RACI, project managers can easily track who is accountable for each phase, preventing miscommunication and task overlap. This tool also supports team collaboration by keeping all RACI role assignments visible in one place.

jira logo.

In Jira, RACI roles can be linked directly to project tickets. This integration helps project managers oversee who is accountable for each task while tracking the project’s progress through detailed reporting. Jira’s focus on issue tracking aligns perfectly with the RACI framework, ensuring that each decision and approval process is well-defined.

Trello logo.

Trello utilizes labels and categories to represent RACI roles. With its simple, card-based format, project managers can visually assign and manage tasks, ensuring clarity on who is responsible or consulted at each stage. This tool is especially effective for smaller teams needing a clear overview of task assignments.

Integrating the RACI matrix into these tools enhances accountability and clarity, making it easier for teams to stay aligned on task responsibilities and avoid delays.

RACI Alternatives 

While the RACI matrix is a widely used tool, several alternatives may be more suitable depending on your project’s needs:

  • RASCI : Adds a Support role to the traditional RACI structure, providing extra assistance where necessary.
  • DACI : The DACI framework focuses on decision-making by identifying clear Decision Makers and those accountable for final outcomes.
  • RAPID : A decision-making framework that defines who Recommends, Agrees, Performs, Inputs, and Decides on critical decisions.
  • Gantt chart : Provides a comprehensive view of who does what and when, combining responsibilities with timelines in a visual format.
  • Work breakdown structure : Breaks down the entire scope of work in a project, offering a detailed view of all tasks in a hierarchical structure.
  • Project dashboard : Offers dynamic, real-time oversight, keeping teams informed with up-to-date information on project progress, roles, and responsibilities.

Each RACI alternative differs on task ownership and project management. The best project managers choose the right approach based on their project’s needs.

RACI and Stakeholder Analysis

Stakeholder analysis is a crucial step that directly connects to the RACI matrix. By identifying all relevant stakeholders, project managers can effectively assign roles within the matrix. 

This process helps clarify who has a vested interest in the project and ensures their roles are properly reflected in the matrix. 

To run a stakeholder analysis:

  • Identify key stakeholders : Determine who has a vested interest in the project’s success (e.g., clients, executives, team members).
  • Define stakeholder influence : Assess how much influence each stakeholder has over project decisions.
  • Align stakeholder roles with RACI : Assign stakeholders as Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, or Informed based on their role in the project.
  • Maintain communication channels : Ensure stakeholders are appropriately informed of project progress, updates, and changes.
  • Review regularly : Reassess stakeholder involvement as project phases evolve.

Aligning stakeholder involvement with RACI creates a roadmap for communication and decision-making that keeps everyone engaged and informed throughout the project life cycle.

Common Mistakes When Creating a RACI Matrix

  • Failure to plan ahead : A RACI matrix should not be the first step in your project planning. Before preparing the matrix, ensure you have a fully assembled project team and a clear understanding of your project scope and key tasks. Without a basic structure in place, the matrix can become chaotic and difficult to manage. Starting with a rough project plan helps ensure that the RACI matrix aligns with your overall goals.
  • Working with too large a team : The larger the team, the more complex the RACI matrix can become, leading to confusion rather than clarity. A matrix with too many roles or stakeholders can make responsibilities difficult to track and dilute accountability. For larger teams, consider breaking the project into smaller, manageable components, or you can use alternative frameworks. Between the DACI vs RACI model , DACI may be better at accommodating scale.
  • Not communicating with the project team : A RACI matrix is meant to formalize responsibilities, not introduce them for the first time. Ensure that all team members are briefed on their roles and the project’s objectives before creating the matrix. Holding a kickoff meeting where tasks and responsibilities are discussed ensures everyone is aligned and prepared, preventing misunderstandings or confusion about their roles in the execution of the project.
  • Overburdening team members : Assigning too many roles to a single person can lead to burnout and inefficiencies. If one team member is designated as both Responsible and Accountable for multiple tasks, they may become overwhelmed and unable to perform effectively. Regularly review the RACI matrix to ensure workload distribution is balanced and that no individual is shouldering too much responsibility.
  • Hitting decision-making roadblocks : Without a clear assignment of who is Accountable for decision-making, tasks can get delayed as teams wait for approvals. This bottleneck can slow progress and create frustration. By explicitly identifying who has the authority to make final decisions, you ensure a smoother workflow and prevent key tasks from stalling due to indecision or unclear lines of accountability.

RACI Matrix Pros & Cons

  • Increased engagement: RACI helps engage project participants throughout the project life cycle.
  • Enhanced project planning: Project managers make project planning more organized, efficient, and detailed.
  • Identifiable improvement opportunities: Areas of improvement are more easily identified.
  • Easier collaboration: Use of a RACI matrix creates a clear path for leadership to sign off on project steps, as project documentation in the RACI model is heavily emphasized.
  • Better communication: Improves overall group communication.
  • Group accountability: Assists groups, especially larger project teams, stay connected and accountable to their roles and project goals.
  • Limitations on role scope: The RACI model does not provide details on role scope, especially for responsible parties. These gaps in detail also affect other team roles; for example, the RACI model does not determine who is responsible for verification and signatory.
  • Limits on task details and scope: While a RACI matrix can provide an overview of who is responsible for different tasks, it will not state what needs to be done.
  • Not aligned to the agile methodology: Project managers using an agile methodology like scrum may find it redundant since accountability, ownership, and ongoing communication is built into the scrum framework (i.e., product owner, scrum master, and daily standups with the team). Additionally, agile focuses on team-based delivery and accountability, while the RACI framework and alternatives focus on individual responsibility and autonomous accountability.

Free RACI Matrix Templates

A number of project management software solutions include a native RACI matrix template. Here are just a few we found:

Colorful RACI chart template

We love this template from Smartsheet because it’s colorful, thorough, and includes room for every party involved in the project. 

RACI matrix template.

Pastel-colored RACI matrix template

This template from the Academy to Innovate HR is a great choice for project managers who want to organize their team roles with an easy-on-the-eyes chart that evolves beyond the simple spreadsheet.

Pastel-colored RACI matrix template.

Simple RACI chart

These RACI templates from ClickUp have enough variety to fit any of your project needs, but are simple enough for even beginner PMs to use.

Simple RACI chart example.

Detailed RACI matrix template

This template is a great starter template for anyone looking to explore RACI charts in their project management strategy. As an added bonus, it comes with the RACI definitions already built in!

Detailed RACI matrix template.

Excel-based RACI chart template

Are you an Excel or Google Sheets user looking to take advantage of the RACI matrix? An Excel-formatted template from Project Management Docs might just be the solution for you. This template is a great template for users who want a chart that comes in a preformatted structure.

Excel-based RACI chart template.

The four components of a RACI matrix are Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. Responsible refers to the individual(s) who completes the task, while Accountable is the person who ensures the task is done. Consulted are those who provide input, and Informed are those who need to be updated on progress.

The difference between Responsible and Accountable lies in execution versus oversight. Responsible refers to the person who performs the work, while Accountable is the individual who ensures the task is completed successfully and takes ultimate ownership.

RACI is still widely used, but for more complex decision-making processes, alternatives like DACI and RAPID may be better suited. However, it remains a popular tool for establishing clear roles in projects, especially for smaller teams.

The Bottom Line on the RACI Matrix

The RACI matrix remains a powerful tool for defining roles and responsibilities in project management, helping teams avoid confusion and delays. By clearly assigning who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed, project managers can streamline communication, prevent decision-making bottlenecks, and ensure accountability. 

While alternatives like RASCI or DACI exist, RACI is especially useful for smaller teams and simpler projects. When used correctly, it significantly enhances project clarity and efficiency, leading to smoother execution and more successful outcomes.

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Responsibility Assignment Matrix: the Basics and Template

Responsibilty Assignment Matrix - Toolshero

Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM): this article explains the Responsibility Assignment Matrix or RAM for short in a practical way. Next to what it is (including an in-depth explanation video), this article also highlights an example, inlcuiding the steps to conduct, to use it during a complex project and downloadable and editable Responsibility Assignment Matrix template to get started. Enjoy reading!

What is the Responsibility Assignment Matrix or RAM?

Project managers like using a RAM to identify the role of the various members of a project team. This matrix is a structural chart in which is visually made clear (on paper or through project management software ) what should be done by whom in cross functional or departmental projects.

In the matrix it is clear what the project tasks, roles and responsibilities are of each of the project team members. It is also referred to as the RACI matrix , VERI matrix or Linear Responsibility Chart (LCR).

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It’s often used as an integral part of the Work Breakdown Structure .

Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) video (in depth-explainer)

Watch the in-depth video below for a recap of what you’ve just read, so you will remember it more easily!

Responsibility Assignment Matrix example

Despite the simple nature of all information in the matrix memory, it can be very time-consuming to assign each member of the project team with the right tasks and responsibilities.

In addition the appropriate roles must be defined in advance before they are included in the RAM.

RACI Matrix example - toolshero

Figure 1 – The Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) / RACI Matrix

To do this well and accurately, the matrix can be completed using the following steps:

  • Step 1: Identify all the participants and (facilities) supporters of the project.
  • Step 2: Identify all the deliverables for the project.
  • Step 3: Discuss with all team members how they can support each other to achieve the best performance. It is important to define each participant’s responsibilities so that there will be no misunderstandings on who is responsible for completing the tasks at hand.
  • Step 4: The initial draft of the RAM is created, with the activities in the left-hand column and the team members in the project in the first right-hand column. Enter the roles that each person will have in the cells that have been formed. An example of this can be seen in the form of a RACI chart (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed) above. Note that only one person can be accountable for each task.
  • Step 5: Have the participants in the project approve the RAM (in writing). Again to prevent misunderstandings.
  • Step 6: Any remarks on changes in the RAM can be filed by the participants in writing. Finally, the responsibility assignment matrix will be reviewed and after approval has been obtained, the project can start.
  • Step 7: Interim assessment is important. When it appears that it is better to adjust the RAM, you will have to go back to step 3 and the adjustments must be discussed with all team members.

Responsibility Assignment Matrix and complex projects

The RAM is also suitable for complex projects. When activities are overlooked and the matrix contains incomplete and/or inaccurate information, this will lead to duplicated efforts.

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It is therefore advisable to ensure that all information is included in the matrix and that all information is and remains accurate.

The following suggestions contribute to a larger chance of success of a matrix in a complex project:

1. Hierarchy of charts

Divide the RAM into separate graphs so that a distinction can be made according to priorities .

The RAM with the highest levels identifies the high-priority activities within the project.

From this point RAM-graphs can be developed that have been derived from this higher level.

2. Involvement

By involving all the members of the project team in the development of the RAM, they will know exactly what is expected of them and they will participate and be (more) committed to using their own specializations.

3. Written representation

By putting the RAM in writing, any mistakes or problems can be identified.

Moreover, the participants in the project will have a better understanding of what their joint participation in the project is.

Role identification

In a RAM the role of the individual and the role of the group are not separated. The role describes the participation with accompanying tasks of the individual in the project.

Such a role can be performed by several people in a group.

Vice versa, one person may have several roles in the project. This is why several employees can have the role of project manager and one individual may have the role of manager and task performer.

Responsibility Assignment Matrix template

Start visualizing what the tasks and responsibilities are of each team member with this ready to use RAM template.

Download the Responsibility Assignment Matrix template

It’s your turn.

What do you think? Is the Responsibility Assignment Matrix in today’s modern project- and stakeholder management? Do you recognize the practical explanation or do you have more additions? What are your success factors for good stakeholder management during a project?

Share your experience and knowledge in the comments box below.

More information

  • Project Management Institute (2010). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge ( PMBOK Guide) . PMI Standards Committee.
  • Baker, D. (2009). Multi-Company Project Management: Maximizing Business Results Through Strategic Collaboration . J Ross.
  • Cleland, D. and Ireland, L. (2006). Project management: strategic design and implementation . McGraw-Hill .

How to cite this article: Mulder, P. (2012). Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) . Retrieved [insert date] from Toolshero: https://www.toolshero.com/project-management/responsibility-assignment-matrix/

Original publication date:: 03/26/2012 | Last update: 06/28/2024

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Patty Mulder

Patty Mulder

Patty Mulder is an Dutch expert on Management Skills, Personal Effectiveness and Business Communication. She is also a Content writer, Business Coach and Company Trainer and lives in the Netherlands (Europe). Note: all her articles are written in Dutch and we translated her articles to English!

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What is a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) in Project Management?

Fahad Usmani, PMP

March 30, 2024

A responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) in project management is a key document that distinguishes stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities. The RACI chart is the most popular example of a RAM that clarifies stakeholders’ roles and defines their involvement.

RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. Each team member in the RACI chart has at least one role.

All stakeholders refer to RAM in case of conflict regarding the roles and responsibilities in assignments or duties. RAM helps reduce conflict in projects to a great extent. Using this document, every team member will know their roles and the responsibilities of other team members.

The roles in the RACI matrix are as follows:

  • Responsible: This stakeholder is responsible for completing the task.
  • Accountable: This stakeholder is accountable for the task. They will make decisions and delegate work to the stakeholders who are responsible for completing the task.
  • Consulted: These stakeholders will be consulted on any decisions made about the task.
  • Informed: These stakeholders only require an updated status report on the progress of the task.

Responsibility Assignment Matrix Example

As I said, the RACI chart is the most popular example of RAM.

The table below shows the RAM example using the RACI chart:

Example of Responsibility Assignment Matrix

Some other less-popular responsibility assignment matrix examples are as follows:

  • RASCI Chart: This chart is also known as the “RASCI matrix,” as the letter S is added, which means “supportive.” 
  • DACI Chart: DACI stands for “Driver, Approver, Contributor, and Informed.” 
  • RAPID Chart: RAPID stands for “Recommend, Agree, Perform, Input, and Decide.” 
  • CARS: CARS stands for “Communicate, Approval, Responsible, and Support.” 
  • CLAM: CLAM stands for “Contribute, Lead, Approve, and Monitor.” 

Responsibility Assignment Matrix Template

The table below shows the basic template for the responsibility assignment matrix.

Responsibility Assignment Matrix Template

RAM is a key tool in project management . It helps the project manager assign roles and responsibilities. Additionally, it ensures that the team stays on its path and that no one interferes with each other’s roles. Finally, RAM ensures that every task has responsible and accountable stakeholders assigned to it.

This topic is important from a PMP exam point of view.

what does a responsibility assignment matrix do

I am Mohammad Fahad Usmani, B.E. PMP, PMI-RMP. I have been blogging on project management topics since 2011. To date, thousands of professionals have passed the PMP exam using my resources.

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Your guide to RACI charts, with examples

Julia Martins contributor headshot

Can you identify exactly who’s doing what by when for each task, milestone, and deliverable in your project? If not, you might need a RACI chart.

RACI is an acronym to help teams clarify project roles and figure out who the responsible party is for any given task. Whether you've never heard of RACI before or you’re considering creating a RACI chart for your next project, here’s everything you need to know about how to create and use these charts.

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What is a RACI chart?

Responsible.

This person is directly in charge of the work. There should only ever be one Responsible role per task so you know who to go to with questions or updates. If a task has more than one Responsible person, you can lose clarity and cause confusion. Instead, aim to add additional collaborators as some of the other RACI roles, which can have more than one person.

Accountable 

The Accountable person is responsible for overseeing overall task completion, though they may not be the person actually doing the work.

There are two ways to assign an Accountable role. Sometimes, the Accountable is the project manager (or even the Responsible, though in that case the person is taking on two different roles during the task workflow). In these cases, the Accountable is responsible for making sure all of the work gets done.

In other cases, the Accountable is a senior leader or executive who is responsible for approving the work before it’s considered complete. Like the Responsible role, there should only ever be one Accountable.

This will be the person or people who should review and sign off on the work before it’s delivered. There may be multiple Consulted roles for each task, project milestone , or deliverable.

This is the person or group of people who are informed about the progress and completion of work. They probably are not involved in any other aspect of the deliverable.

When should I create RACI charts?

RACI charts are a helpful way to track each stakeholder’s role for a task, milestone, or deliverable—especially if you’re managing a complex project with many decision makers and subject matter experts. With a RACI chart, you can prevent poor decision making and avoid roadblocks in the approvals process that could impact overall project success.

These charts, while different from PERT charts , are especially useful if your stakeholders may be taking on different roles throughout the project. For example, there could be a stakeholder who is Responsible on one deliverable but Informed on another. With a RACI chart, you can clearly outline these details and make sure everyone knows who’s responsible for what.

How to make a RACI chart

Ever felt like your project was spinning out of control, with team members unsure of their roles and responsibilities? You're not alone. This is when a RACI chart comes in handy. Let's walk through the steps of creating a RACI diagram with a software development project as an example.

Step 1: List the project tasks

Start by breaking down your project into specific activities or deliverables. For our software project, tasks might include:

Define project scope

Design wireframes

Develop front-end code

Conduct user testing

Launch the site

These tasks cover key phases in the project lifecycle and give team members a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished from start to finish.

Step 2: Identify key stakeholders

Next, identify all the roles involved in your project, from team members to stakeholders. For our RACI chart example, we might have:

Project Manager : Oversees the entire project.

Business Analyst : Gathers requirements and ensures they’re met.

UX Designer : Responsible for creating wireframes and the user experience.

Front-End Developer : Codes the website.

Marketing Team : Needs to be informed of key milestones for launch coordination.

IT Support : Handles post-launch maintenance.

This step ensures that no team member is left in the dark and that all informed parties are represented.

Step 3: Assign RACI matrix roles

Now, for each specific task, decide who's responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed. With the example of "Defining project scope," you might have:

R: Business analyst

A: Project manager

C: UX designer

I: Front-end developer, marking team, and IT support.

Remember, there should only be one 'A' per task to avoid confusion!

Step 4: Review and adjust

Go through the RACI framework with your team. Look for gaps, overlaps, or ambiguities and iron them out. Maybe you realize the backend developer should be consulted on the UX design to confirm feasibility.

Step 5: Share the RACI chart

Finally, share the RACI chart template with the entire team and any other key stakeholders. In the case of the software development project, the RACI framework helps each project team member know their role in delivering the final product. Sharing this chart helps reduce miscommunication and makes sure the project progresses smoothly.

By following these steps, you'll create a powerful tool to streamline communication and clarify roles throughout your project phases. No more confusion about who's doing what—your team can focus on what they do best, moving your software from concept to launch with less miscommunication and more efficiency.

RACI chart example

To build a RACI chart, list every task, milestone, or deliverable for your project. Then, identify who the Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed team members are for each one.

Let’s say you’re updating the homepage on your website. Project stakeholders include:

Head of website

Web developer

You want to create a RACI diagram for five tasks and deliverables:

Update homepage CTAs

Update customer story on homepage

Revamp website design

Improve homepage loading speed

Update homepage design

The RACI chart would look like:

Responsible: Copywriter

Accountable: Web developer

Consulted: Head of website

Informed: Designer

Revamp video on homepage

Responsible: Designer

Informed: Copywriter

Responsible: Web developer

Informed: Copywriter & Designer

Pros and cons of RACI charts

Ultimately, the question is: should you create a RACI chart? While RACI charts are a useful tool to identify project responsibilities, they can get a little cumbersome over the lifecycle of a project. Here are the pros and cons of creating a RACI matrix for your team’s work:

RACI charts benefits

Clear project roles and responsibilities can help your team move fast and reduce confusion about who’s working on what. With a RACI chart, you can ensure you don’t have two team members working on the same thing. As a result, you’ll have an easier time collaborating with your team.

RACI charts are also particularly helpful when the decision-making process is split between tasks. There might be scenarios where the Informed on one task or milestone is the Responsible or Consulted on another—in order to have that clearly defined, it’s helpful to track this work in a RACI diagram.

RACI chart pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

RACI models focus on the granular, instead of capturing work at the project level. You might know who the Consulted is on a particular task—which is helpful—but knowing that doesn’t help you understand how various stakeholders interact with the broader project work.

Additionally, if you attempt to write out each task and each role, your RACI chart can get bulky. Worse, if your project changes in some way, your RACI diagram would immediately become outdated. That can make it hard for you to gain real-time clarity about where each task is in your project workflow.

RACI charts are limited because they aren’t able to adapt to your project needs in real time. In order to establish clear expectations and eliminate confusion on the project level, you need a project management tool .

RACI matrix alternatives

While the RACI matrix is widely used, it's not the only game in town. In fact, frameworks like DACI, RASCI, RAS, CARS, and CLAM can be tailored to fit specific project plans and methodologies.

Here are some popular RACI alternatives that might better suit your project needs.

The DACI model is a variation of RACI, with a stronger focus on decision-making. It breaks down as follows:

Driver: The person responsible for carrying the project forward.

Approver: The decision-maker who has the final say.

Contributor: Team members providing input and expertise.

Informed: Individuals who need to be kept up to speed on project progress.

This model is particularly useful in agile environments where decisions need to be made quickly and with input from many different team members. It emphasizes the importance of having a clear approver to avoid delays.

RASCI adds an extra layer to the traditional RACI model. The 'S' stands for support. In this RACI framework:

Responsible: The person performing the task.

Accountable: The person accountable for the task.

Supportive: Team members providing additional help or resources.

Consulted: People whose input is required.

Informed: Those who need to be informed of progress.

The RASCI model is useful in projects with more complex roles, especially when there’s a need to clearly define supportive roles to avoid overlaps in responsibilities.

RAS is a simplified version of a RACI chart that focuses on just three key roles:

Responsible: The person doing the work.

Accountable: The person overseeing the task.

Supportive: People providing resources or assistance.

RAS works well in smaller teams or in scrum methodologies where the focus is on speed and efficiency.

CARS flips the script a bit by focusing on who's in charge of communication, which is especially helpful in project plans that require multiple layers of approval and clear communication channels. It looks like this:

Communicate: Who needs to be kept in the loop.

Approve: Who has final decision authority.

Responsible: Who will complete the work.

Support: Who provides help or resources.

CARS is often used in industries that require heavy compliance or formal approval processes, where miscommunication can cause serious delays.

For a different approach, there's CLAM. This model can be particularly useful in Agile or Scrum environments, where leadership and oversight need to be clearly defined. Here's what it looks like:

Contribute: Team members providing direct input or work.

Lead: The individual overseeing the task.

Approve: The one with decision-making power.

Monitor: Those keeping an eye on project progress and ensuring everything stays on track.

CLAM is beneficial in projects with complex methodologies, where tasks require significant collaboration but also demand clear leadership and approval processes.

Take your RACI chart to the next level

With project management software, every task has an assignee—that’s the Responsible. You can see work on the project level, so the Accountable and Informed don’t have to check in via email or status meetings. And, for any approvals you need from your Consulted, you can track reviews and approvals in one place. That way, your entire RACI team has a central source of truth for all of the work being done.

[Product UI] Brand campaign RACI chart (Lists)

Instead of having your RACI chart separate from where the work is happening, project management tools capture the topic, assignee, and other important information like the task due date or relative importance. That way, your entire project team has visibility into who’s doing what by when—and you’re not relying on a single person to manage and update your RACI chart. Project management tools update in real time, so you can see exactly where you are in the approval process.

Track who’s doing what by when

Clear team roles and responsibilities help you hit your deliverables on time. Tracking different and complex stakeholder responsibilities in a RACI matrix can help you do that—but RACI charts are just the beginning. Learn more about work management , and how your team can benefit.

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Organizational Structure

What is a Responsibility Assignment Matrix

Last updated: Feb 15, 2023

Table of contents

What is a RAM matrix used for?

How to make a ram or raci chart.

Learn what a Responsibility Assignment Matrix is and how to use one to make all your upcoming projects run smoothly.

Credit: track5/Getty Images

A Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM), sometimes known as a RACI chart, is a tool used in project management to keep track of all responsibilities assigned to cross-functional teams on a specific task or assignment.

It’s known as a RACI chart because its acronym names the four key roles displayed in the matrix:

  • Responsible: Who is the person responsible for completing a task or making a decision?
  • Accountable: Who is accountable for the completion of the project overall and will sign off on deliverables and decisions?
  • Consulted: Who needs to be consulted to provide input on a particular task or item?
  • Informed: Who needs to be kept informed of project progress or completion?

A typical RAM template looks like this:

| Task | Annabelle (PM) | Jack (Technical Lead) | Dory (Technical Team Member) | | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- | | Task 1 | A | I | R | | Task 2 | R | C | I | | Task 3 | C | R | C | | Task 4 | A | R/I | R |

The RAM matrix is used to document every task, item and decision involved in a project completion process. By keeping everything logged all in one place, a RAM matrix is an invaluable tool to any project manager or company leader for a few reasons.

  • Defines clear roles and responsibilities

There is nothing worse than a project being slowed down or stalled because of confusion over who was supposed to do what. In a RAM, every person or team involved can check to see which task or item.

  • Streamlines communication

Sometimes explaining directions in person or over a workplace communication tool can get confusing or be interpreted the wrong way. Even worse, one instance of miscommunication can tank an entire project or jeopardize a relationship with a client.

With a RAM, project managers don’t have to waste time directing questions to the responsible stakeholder in charge of making a decision. The chart informs everyone involved exactly who they can go to for answers, cutting out repetitive conversations and notifying the right people at the right time.

  • Distributes workloads evenly

No one ever wants to be the one in the group project that has to do everything. Team members with a higher workload are at a greater risk for burnout. A great benefit of a RAM is that everyone can see how the workload for a certain project is distributed. It’s also a great way to be transparent within workflows.

Don’t let the random letters confuse you. Building a RACI chart is surprisingly simple. It can also easily be tweaked to fit your organization and your particular project. According to the work management platform Wrike , here are four steps to follow when building a responsibility assignment matrix:

  • Identify all project roles

Start out with a list of everyone involved in a project, including every team, team member, manager and stakeholder.

  • Identify all project tasks

Then make a list of all the tasks and items needed to get a project done. These can include deliverables, activities, milestones and decisions.

  • Create a chart with a column for each role and a row for each task

In a spreadsheet—or any other tool you’d like—create a simple table by listing each person or role in the columns and each task or deliverable in the rows.

To get the most out of your RACI chart, try to make the roles as personal as possible. For example, instead of naming a role “technical lead,” try to use names, like “Jack.” This will give every person involved a sense of ownership, while also streamlining communication even further.

  • Assign “R,” “A,” “C” or “I” to each person involved

Once you have written out the names of each person and task, now comes the important part of assigning RACI to each person involved. Identify who is responsible, who is accountable, who needs to be consulted and who needs to be informed for every task in the project. A role can have more than one letter, but simplify it as much as you can. Bonus step: Add a color to each letter to make the roles stand out even more.

That’s it! You now have made a successful RACI chart. Review with your team and all stakeholders before you initiate a plan, and you are officially on your way to more effective project management.

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COMMENTS

  1. What Is A Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)? Everything ...

    The responsibility assignment matrix is a project management style with four main roles: responsible, accountable, consulted and informed (this is also referred to as a RACI matrix).

  2. How to Make a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (Template ...

    A responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) is a project management chart used to identify and define the various people and organizations and outline each of their roles in working on tasks or delivering a part of the project.

  3. Responsibility assignment matrix - Wikipedia

    In business and project management, a responsibility assignment matrix [1] (RAM), also known as RACI matrix [2] (/ ˈ r eɪ s i /; responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed) [3] [4] or linear responsibility chart [5] (LRC), is a model that describes the participation by various roles in completing tasks or deliverables [4] for a project ...

  4. RACI Matrix: Responsibility Assignment Matrix Guide for 2024

    The RACI matrix — sometimes called RACI model, RACI diagram, or simply just RAC — is created by the project manager at the start of the project as a key part of establishing the initial human resources planning for the project.

  5. RACI Chart: Definitions, Uses And Examples For Project ...

    A RACI chart, also called a RACI matrix, is a type of responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) in project management. In practice, it’s a simple spreadsheet or table that lists all...

  6. Responsibility Assignment Matrix: the Basics and Template

    Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM): this article explains the Responsibility Assignment Matrix or RAM for short in a practical way.

  7. What Is a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) in Project ...

    A Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) is a tool used in project management to define and assign roles, responsibilities, and authority levels for each task or activity within a project.

  8. What is a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) in Project ...

    A responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) in project management is a key document that distinguishes stakeholdersroles and responsibilities. The RACI chart is the most popular example of a RAM that clarifies stakeholders’ roles and defines their involvement.

  9. RACI Charts: The Ultimate Guide, with Examples [2024] • Asana

    A RACI chart (sometimes called a Responsibility Assignment Matrix) is a way to identify your project teams’ roles and responsibilities for any task, milestone, or project deliverable. By following the RACI acronym, you can clarify responsibility and reduce confusion.

  10. What is a Responsibility Assignment Matrix - The Org

    A Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM), sometimes known as a RACI chart, is a tool used in project management to keep track of all responsibilities assigned to cross-functional teams on a specific task or assignment.