Responsibility Matrix 1

[Prothios]

I need to set explicit responsibilities for my current project (I've been too lucky in the past - my previous resources were responsible).

I've read about a tool called a Responsibility Assignment Matrix, where each resource can be assigned a role for each deliverable. Seems the standard roles (RACI) are Responsible, Authority, Consult, Inform. I've also read of various other roles including SME (Subject Matter Expert).

What roles have you used on you projects - what works and doesn't work? Have you found developing a Responsibility Assignment Matrix to be helpful?

 

[prjman]

I've never used it myself, but I learned it in a Project Management course. The Authority Matrix is pretty much the same (in my opinion).

http://www.pmhut.com/

- The Project Management Hut

 

[handyhelp]

The RACI matrix defines the roles and responsibilities of the resources in the team for delivering the deliverable.
First ensure that the deliverable is properly defined.
Next understand all the tasks and the roles required for successful completion of the deliverable.
I suggest you get your team to tell you which roles they wish to play in your project and get them to assign themselves to the four RACI categories.
Once you have this commitment from them, go through the RACI chart and ensure that the right people have marked themselves into the correct RACI areas.
If you find anomalies, work carefully with those people to encourage them to change their perception of where they think they should be to where you know they should be. They could have valid reasons for choosing certain roles and you need to understand these reasons before you “move” them to another category.
Try this url:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RACI_diagram

A good extension is the RACI-VS described in the wikipedia post.
Help you team find "their project" within your project.
They will then take ownership and you should then have a self-directing team doing excellent work.
I hope this helps !

 

[jblack34]

You will find a Responsibility Assignment Matrix Excel template here:

http://www.pmconnection.com/modules.php?name=Web_Links&l_op=search&query=assignment matrix

JBlack

http://www.pmconnection.com

 

[erikko]

since it is being put at the planning stage, it is somewhat helping because at first you know who will handle a certain process or thing in the plan