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9 - PROJECT HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

• Matrix-based charts. A responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) is a grid that shows the project
resources assigned to each work package. It is used to illustrate the connections between work
packages or activities and project team members. On larger projects, RAMs can be developed
at various levels. For example, a high-level RAM can define what a project team group or unit is
responsible for within each component of the WBS, while lower-level RAMs are used within the group
to designate roles, responsibilities, and levels of authority for specific activities. The matrix format
shows all activities associated with one person and all people associated with one activity. This also
ensures that there is only one person accountable for any one task to avoid confusion of responsibility.
One example of a RAM is a RACI (responsible, accountable, consult, and inform) chart, shown in
Figure 9-5. The sample chart shows the work to be done in the left column as activities. The assigned
resources can be shown as individuals or groups. The project manager can select other options such
as “lead” and “resource” designations or others, as appropriate for the project. A RACI chart is a useful
tool to use when the team consists of internal and external resources in order to ensure clear divisions
of roles and expectations.

RACI Chart Person

Activity Ann Ben Carlos Dina Ed

Create charter A R I I I

Collect
requirements I A R C C
Submit change
request I A R R C

Develop test plan A C I I R
R = Responsible A = Accountable C = Consult I = Inform

Figure 9-5. rAcI Matrix

• text-oriented formats. Team member responsibilities that require detailed descriptions can be
specified in text-oriented formats. Usually in outline form, the documents provide information such as
responsibilities, authority, competencies, and qualifications. The documents are known by various names
including position descriptions and role-responsibility-authority forms. These documents can be used as
templates for future projects, especially when the information is updated throughout the current project
by applying lessons learned.

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