What is RACI Matrix?
The RACI Matrix has
a fixed design, with the names of functional roles on the horizontal axis and
the various tasks, activities, the achievements to be delivered and
responsibilities on the vertical axis. We must distinguish between a functional
role and individual people. A functional role is a description of a wide range
of tasks. Such a role can be carried out by multiple people. Conversely, an
individual person may fulfil various different roles. For instance, ten
employees can fulfil the role of the project manager within an organisation, and a
single individual can fulfil the role of project manager and business analyst.
RACI is an acronym of four important characteristics involved in a project.
RACI Stands For:
Responsible (R)
This refers to the
individual who will perform a task. Each task has to have at least one person
who completes it. If an R is missing in any of the matrix rows that task has
not been assigned to anyone creating a gap that needs to be filled immediately.
For tasks, they can be several people expected to perform it who then report to
the person accountable.
Accountable (A)
This is the individual who is ultimately answerable for the decisions to be made for a
task. They most likely are the project manager or a senior official
who have final say over the tasks. To be efficient the number of people
accountable for each task should not be many. For most projects one listed accountable
person is ideal.
Consulted (C)
This is the go-to person for advice
on the project. They should be an expert on matters relating to the
project whose opinion is sort before making final decisions or taking a certain
action. For example, if you are working on technical tasks consultations with
the IT administrator for expert advice will be necessary. The number of
consultants per task, however, should be minimum. Too many C’s may prolong a
task because of a lot of unnecessary deliberations and they might be a risk of
poor plan execution.
Informed (I)
These are people in the team who have
to be updated on the project progress or decisions. These individuals are in
most cases informed once a task is completed and then take the necessary next
step i.e. to mark that project as done, once update. Communication with the
informed is usually one-way and they don’t contribute directly to the task.
Creating a RACI Matrix (Step-By-Step)
· Identify all
project tasks and activities and put this on the left-hand side of the matrix
according to how they will be completed.
· Identify all the
individuals and groups involved in the project and list them at the top of the
chart.
· Figure out who does
what-This is a very crucial part of the formation of the matrix. Here the
project manager identifies the people to be assigned to each task. While doing
this ensure you match skill sets to tasks.
· Develop the matrix-
At this stage, you assign team members their association. They will either
be Responsible, Accountable, Consulted or Informed for each task. Best practice
dictates that you start with the “R’s”- because they are the people performing
the tasks necessary to complete the project. Then move on to the “A’s” who are
ultimately answerable for the process. Finally, assign the “C’s” and ‘I’s”
individuals who have no direct responsibility in the project but are needed for
it to succeed.
· Share and discuss
the RACI Matrix- when done constructing the matrix send it out to the team
members involved and ask for feedback. From their feedback make any necessary
changes. By doing this you will be ensuring you haven’t left anything important
out and all involved are clear about what is required of them. The final
matrix should be one that all stakeholders agree on before starting work on the
process.
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