Responsibility assignment matrix (RAM)

The responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) shows the intersection of work packages and resources. Generally, RAMs are used to show the different levels of participation on a work package by various team members rather than physical resources. RAMs can indicate different types of participation depending on the needs of the project. Some common types include:

• Accountable
• Responsible
• Consulted
• Resource
• Informed
• Sign-off

The RAM always should include a key that explains what each of the levels of participation entails. An example follows using a RACI chart, as demonstrated in the PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition. The needs of your project should determine the fields for the RAM you use.

The responsibility assignment matrix can receive information from:

• Scope baseline
• Requirements documentation
• Stakeholder register

It is a data representation tool that provides information to the resource management plan in process

• Plan Resource Management in the PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition. It is progressively elaborated as more information about the scope and the resource requirements is known.

Tailoring tips

Consider the following tips to help tailor the RAM to meet your needs:

• Tailor the types of participation appropriate for your Some projects require “sign-off” of specific deliverables, whereas others use the term “approve.”
• Determine the appropriate level to record information on the Large projects with multiple vendors and large deliverables often use the RAM as the intersection of the WBS and the OBS (organizational breakdown structure). Small projects may use it at the deliverable or activity level to help enter schedule information.

Alignment

The RAM should be aligned and consistent with the following documents:

• Work breakdown structure
• Requirements documentation
• Resource requirements
• Procurement documents (RFP, RFQ, etc.)