PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlinePredictive, Plan-Based MethodologiesHard
A project manager is developing a new, complex IT system. The project involves multiple teams, external vendors, and highly specialized technical work. To ensure that all project tasks are completed by the appropriate resources and that the team understands their roles and responsibilities, the project manager creates a chart that visually displays the assigned roles, responsibilities, and authority for each work package. Which tool or technique is the project manager using?
- AHierarchical Type Organizational Chart
- BResponsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)
- CResource Breakdown Structure (RBS)
- DOrganizational Breakdown Structure (OBS)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)
A Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) is a grid that shows the project resources assigned to each work package. It clearly defines roles, responsibilities, and authority, often using a RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) chart.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Hierarchical charts show reporting relationships, not detailed responsibilities for work packages.
- C. RBS is a hierarchical list of resources by category and type, not assignments for work packages.
- D. OBS is a hierarchical representation of the project organization by department, not individual responsibilities for work packages.
Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)
A grid that shows the project resources assigned to each work package, identifying who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed (RACI) for specific tasks or deliverables.
- Maps roles and responsibilities to work packages.
- Commonly uses the RACI model.
- Ensures clear understanding of task ownership and involvement.
Memory trick: RAM maps responsibilities clearly.