The RACI Matrix is a powerful technique used within PRINCE2 7's Organizing practice to clarify roles and responsibilities across the project team. RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed, representing four distinct levels of involvement that stakeholders can have in projec…The RACI Matrix is a powerful technique used within PRINCE2 7's Organizing practice to clarify roles and responsibilities across the project team. RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed, representing four distinct levels of involvement that stakeholders can have in project activities or decisions.
Responsible (R) refers to the person or people who actually perform the work to complete a task or deliverable. These individuals are hands-on executors who carry out the assigned activities.
Accountable (A) identifies the single person who has ultimate ownership and authority over a task's completion. This person delegates work to those who are Responsible and must approve the final outcome. There should only be one Accountable person per task to ensure clear decision-making authority.
Consulted (C) describes stakeholders whose input and expertise are sought before decisions are made or work is completed. This involves two-way communication where their knowledge contributes to better outcomes.
Informed (I) represents individuals who need to be kept updated on progress or decisions but do not actively participate in the work. This is typically one-way communication to ensure awareness.
In PRINCE2 7, the RACI Matrix helps project managers map project activities against team members and stakeholders in a grid format. Each intersection shows the appropriate level of involvement using R, A, C, or I designations.
The benefits of using a RACI Matrix include reducing confusion about who does what, preventing duplication of effort, ensuring accountability is clearly assigned, and improving communication flow throughout the project. It supports the PRINCE2 principle of defined roles and responsibilities by making expectations explicit and visible to all team members.
This technique is particularly valuable during project initiation when establishing the project management team structure and throughout project execution when clarifying responsibilities for specific products or decisions.
RACI Matrix Technique - PRINCE2 Foundation V7 Guide
What is the RACI Matrix Technique?
The RACI Matrix is a responsibility assignment tool used in PRINCE2 to clarify roles and responsibilities within a project. RACI stands for:
R - Responsible: The person who performs the work to complete the task. They are the 'doer' who carries out the activity.
A - Accountable: The person who is ultimately answerable for the correct completion of the task. There must be only one accountable person per task. This person has the authority to approve or sign off on work.
C - Consulted: People whose opinions are sought before decisions or actions are taken. This involves two-way communication - they provide input and feedback.
I - Informed: People who are kept up-to-date on progress or decisions. This involves one-way communication - they need to know outcomes but do not contribute to the task.
Why is RACI Important in PRINCE2?
The RACI Matrix is essential because it: - Eliminates confusion about who does what - Prevents duplication of effort - Ensures accountability is clearly assigned - Supports effective communication planning - Helps identify gaps where no one is assigned - Clarifies decision-making authority - Supports the Organizing practice by defining clear roles
How the RACI Matrix Works
A RACI Matrix is typically presented as a table where: - Rows represent tasks, activities, or deliverables - Columns represent people, roles, or teams - Cells contain one of the letters R, A, C, or I
Key rules for creating a RACI Matrix: 1. Every task must have at least one R (someone doing the work) 2. Every task must have exactly one A (single point of accountability) 3. The same person can be both R and A for a task 4. Too many C's can slow down progress 5. Keep I's to those who genuinely need to know
RACI in the Context of PRINCE2 Organizing Practice
Within PRINCE2, the RACI Matrix supports the Organizing practice by: - Defining project management team structure - Clarifying responsibilities across all project levels - Supporting the principle of defined roles and responsibilities - Helping tailor the organization structure to project needs
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on RACI Matrix Technique
Tip 1: Remember the definitions precisely Know that Responsible means 'does the work' and Accountable means 'ultimately answerable.' These are frequently tested.
Tip 2: Remember the 'one A' rule A common exam question tests whether you understand that there can only be ONE Accountable person per task. Multiple people can be Responsible, Consulted, or Informed.
Tip 3: Distinguish between Consulted and Informed Consulted = two-way communication (they give input) Informed = one-way communication (they receive updates)
Tip 4: Look for scenario-based questions When given a scenario, identify who is doing work (R), who approves (A), who provides expertise (C), and who needs updates (I).
Tip 5: Connect RACI to the Organizing practice Remember that RACI is a technique within the Organizing practice and supports clear definition of roles and responsibilities.
Tip 6: Watch for trick answers Questions may suggest multiple accountable people or confuse consulted with informed. Read each option carefully before selecting your answer.
Common Exam Question Formats
- 'Which RACI role should there only be one of per task?' (Answer: Accountable) - 'Who performs the actual work in a RACI matrix?' (Answer: Responsible) - 'Which role involves two-way communication?' (Answer: Consulted) - Scenario questions asking you to identify the correct RACI assignment for a given situation