The RACI matrix is a method for managing responsibilities in a project or process that is used in used in different sectors like construction, distribution, web development... It is an example of atool very known in the field of project management. However when that we want to create a RACI matrix, know–really know what we are talking about we are talking about ? Who has invented this RACI matrix? What is the meaning of this acronym “RACI” and its explanation?
Thehe origin of the RACI matrix
The invention
An example of a method that is widely used in the project management world, the RACI matrix is simple to understand and easy to implement. However, despite this popularity, it is difficult to designate a particular inventor, because it has evolved a lot, and several variants have been created, such as RASCI or RACI-VS. So we still wonder today who invented the RACI matrix?
Its history
The RACI matrix does not really have a designated inventor, but it would seem that it was created around the 1950s, and it was in the 1970s that it took on the name of “responsibility assignment matrix”. The RACI matrix has no real inventor, but it seems to have been created around the 1950s, and it was in the 1970s that it took on the name of “responsibility attribution matrix”.. The RACI matrix is the representation of the work organization because it takes into account two important parts which are :
- The project breakdown structure (WBS) which is a hierarchical breakdown of the work required to achieve the objectives of the project objectives.
- The organizational structure of the project (OBS) which is a diagram representing the responsibilities of each member of a project, for each task.
This matrix has been used extensively as project management has evolved towards results. Indeed, it has made it easier to perform tasks with more visible and understandable roles. Since then, the RACI matrix has been widely used in a variety of projects: HR projects, IS projects, construction projects, logistics projects, etc. It is used to prepare for the implementation of a project so that all the entities that have an impact on it know where they stand and what their role is.
What is the RACI matrix?
The RACI matrix is a model that shows in a table the roles and responsibilities of each person at each stage of the mission. The acronym “R-A-C-I” is simply created from the 4 roles that participants may have. These letters each represent a responsibility on the tasks:
R – Director: This is the or the persons who will be responsible for carrying out the task. It is possible that there aret several directors depending on the size of the task. All directors will be supervised by one or more approviders. À notNote that a director is required for each task.
A – Accountable: This is the person who is responsible for the work of the directors. He/she supervises one or more directors who will be will be in charge of dto accomplish the taskss for which it is responsible. If a task that the accountable is responsible is not delivered on time or is not well is not well done, he will be held accountable.
C – Retrieved from The person or persons who will provide advice or information. The people consulted are in direct contact with the directors because they are the ones who will be able to communicate information that the directors will need to carry out the task.
I – Informed: This is the person(s) who must be aware of the task being performed.
The purpose of the RACI matrix is to have a simple and efficient graphic expression of the roles of each person in the realization of a task.
Importantly, it is necessary to inform the people with whom you are going to share this matrix of the definitions of each term because there is a variant of the RACI matrix in which the terms behind the letters R and A are reversed. That is, the R stands for responsible (person who supervises) and the A stands for actors (person who carries out).
The acronym RACI as we present it to you is a translation from English. Thus, RACI was originally the initials of :
- Responsible
- Accountable
- Consulted
- Informed