Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) vs Organization Chart

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Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) vs Organization Chart

Two excellent tools for communication and team management are the responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) and the project org chart.

Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)

A RAM is a matrix-based chart that is used to illustrate the connections between the work that needs to be done and project team members. A RAM can be developed at varying levels of detail, commonly at the activity or deliverable level.

Typically, the list of deliverables or activities are on the left-hand column with the team member names across the top. Each deliverable or activity will be assigned to the appropriate individuals. This will aid in communication amongst the team members and help expose any gaps that may exist.

A common RAM is a RACI (responsible, accountable, consult, inform) RAM format.

Organization Chart

A project organization chart is a hierarchical chart used to show positions and relationships in a graphic, top-down format.

Project org charts display the project team members and their reporting lines within the project and to the overall organization. This ensures that team members and stakeholders are aware of who is participating in the project and what the reporting structure looks like.

Summary

Both org charts and RAMs are helpful in most project team settings. The RAM clarifies roles and responsibilities while the org chart communicates the team members participating in the project and the reporting structure both within the project and to the broader organization.

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