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Which Document Clarifies Roles and Responsibilities in a Project?
Learn what a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) is and why it is the best document for clarifying roles, responsibilities, and expectations for all project stakeholders.
Question
In your project, you need to clarify the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of all parties involved. Which document should you refer to?
A. Project Charter
B. Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)
C. Communication Plan
Answer
B. Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)
Explanation
In project management, a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) is the specific tool used to identify and clarify the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of all individuals involved in executing project tasks. Often structured as a RACI chart, it maps project tasks against team members, designating who is Responsible for doing the work, Accountable for the outcome, Consulted for input, and Informed of the progress. While the Project Charter provides high-level objectives and the Communication Plan dictates how information flows, the RAM is the only document explicitly designed to prevent confusion by defining exactly who does what within the project.