---
title: "Responsibility assignment matrix and RACI"
subject: "ICT Project Management"
chapter: 7
key: "semester_7/ict_project_management:responsibility-assignment-matrix"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/ict_project_management/responsibility-assignment-matrix
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Responsibility assignment matrix and RACI

ICT Project Management · Chapter 7: Project Integration Management

- Asked in: year not given
- Video: [What is a RACI Matrix? [CLEAR BREAKDOWN]](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyoOIIaACcE) — Adriana Girdler
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/ict_project_management/responsibility-assignment-matrix
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/ict_project_management/chapter-7

## Question

What do you mean by responsibility assignment matrix (RAM)? Explain it by sketching a RACI chart.

## Short answer

A RAM links project roles to WBS work packages, clarifying who does what. The RACI chart uses Responsible (does work), Accountable (approves, only one), Consulted (gives input), and Informed (kept updated) for each task, ensuring no overlaps or gaps.

## Answer

A **Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)** is a grid that shows the project resources assigned to each work package of the WBS. It links people, roles or organisational units to the work, so that every task has a clear owner and nobody is confused about responsibility. The RAM at the work-package level is a table of work against people.

A **RACI chart** is the most common RAM. RACI means:
- **R**esponsible: does the work (can be several).
- **A**ccountable: ultimately answerable and approves; only one per task.
- **C**onsulted: gives input before the work (two-way).
- **I**nformed: kept updated after (one-way).

#### Sample RACI chart (website project)
| Activity | Project manager | Business analyst | Developer | Tester | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare charter | R | C | I | I | A |
| Gather requirements | A | R | C | I | C |
| Design database | I | C | R/A | C | I |
| Develop modules | A | C | R | I | I |
| Test system | A | C | C | R | I |
| Final acceptance | R | I | I | C | A |

#### Rules
- Each row must have exactly one A.
- At least one R per row.
- Avoid too many C and I that slow decisions.
- Columns with too many R suggest overload.

#### Benefits
- Clarifies roles and avoids duplication or gaps.
- Improves communication, accountability and coordination.
- Detects overloaded persons.
- Helps team understand their expected contribution.
- Useful in matrix organisations.

```text
WBS work package  x  Person / role  =  R, A, C, I
```

Other forms of RAM include RASCI, RAEW and a resource assignment chart. RAM is part of the human resource plan.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What does a Responsibility Assignment Matrix show?
   A. Which resources are assigned to each WBS work package
   B. The sequence of milestones
   C. The critical path of the project
   D. The cost of each risk
   Answer: A. A RAM links people, roles or units to WBS work packages so every task has a clear owner. (Key point: RAM meaning)

2. In a RACI chart, what is the difference between Consulted and Informed?
   A. Consulted approves; Informed does the work
   B. Consulted gives two-way input before the work; Informed is kept updated one-way after
   C. They are the same, both are one-way
   D. Consulted does the work; Informed approves it
   Answer: B. C gives input (two-way communication), I is simply kept updated (one-way). (Key point: RACI roles)

3. Which rule is correct for a RACI chart row?
   A. No A is needed if there is an R
   B. Exactly one R and several A
   C. Exactly one A and at least one R
   D. Every person must be C or I
   Answer: C. Each row must have exactly one Accountable and at least one Responsible. (Key point: RACI rules)

4. What does a column with too many R entries suggest?
   A. The person is the sponsor
   B. The task has no accountable person
   C. The WBS is incomplete
   D. The person is overloaded
   Answer: D. A person with many R entries is doing too much work, so the RAM helps detect overload. (Key point: Overload detection)

## Related in ICT Project Management

- [Project planning matrix (PPM)](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Aproject-planning-matrix) — ICT Project Management, chapter 7
- [Traceability matrix](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Atraceability-matrix) — ICT Project Management, chapter 11

## Related in other subjects

- [Static channel assignment and CSMA/CD](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fcomputer_networks_and_security%3Astatic-channel-csmacd) — Computer Networks and Security, chapter 3
- [Frequency reuse and channel assignment strategies](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fwireless_communication%3Afrequency-reuse-channel-assignment) — Wireless Communication, chapter 2
- [DMA concept; ROM/RAM interface at 4000H](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Finstrumentation_ii%3Adma-memory-interface-4000h) — Instrumentation II, chapter 1
- [Interfacing: 512-byte RAM with 8085](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Finstrumentation_ii%3Arag-ram-512-interface) — Instrumentation II, chapter 2