The Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) is a way of representing and clarifying the roles and responsibilities for a given activity. The RAM is also known as a ARSCI table, which stands for:
| ARSCI | ARSCI | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | Accountable | Ultimately answerable for the correct and thorough completion of the work. There is only one accountable person for any given task. |
| R | Responsible | Does the work. Others can be asked to assist in a supporting role. There is only one responsible person for any given task. |
| S | Supports | As part of a team, roles with a support function work with the person responsible. The support role helps complete the task. There may be several Support roles. |
| C | Consulted | Those whose opinions are requested and with whom there is two-way communication. The consulted role does not help complete the task. There may be several Consulted roles. |
| I | Informed | Those who are kept informed of progress. There may be several Informed roles. |
Stakeholders should be reminded of their roles and responsibilities during the project. The PM² for EU Funds Guide includes a RAM (ARSCI) table for all artefacts in the project lifecycles, in Appendix F.1 EUPM² Guide ARSCI Table.
Example: The RAM for the EUPM² Guide roles involved in creating the Project Logical Framework:
| RAM (ARSCI) | CA | PSC | GO | DC | PTG | CR | EUPM | PtEUPM | PCT | PST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Logical Framework | I | A | C | S | C | C | R | S | C | n.a. |
Accountable: The Project Steering Committee (PSC) is accountable (is ultimately and collectively responsible for the artefact).
Responsible: The EU Project Manager (EUPM) is responsible for creating the Project Logical Framework.
Supports: The EU Project Manager (PM) works with the Partners EU Project Managers (PtEUPM) and the Domain Coordinator (DC) to develop the Project Logical Framework. The final responsibility, however, lies with the EU Project (EUPM).
Consulted: The Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the Project Target Group (PTG) are consulted.
Informed: The Appropriate Governance Body (AGB) will be informed about the outputs or status of the task (it will be provided with information).