Table 2.1: RACI Responsibility Assignment Matrix

Other commonly used forms of a RAM chart are RASCI and CAIRO (where R stands for responsible, A stands for accountable, S stands for support, C stands for consulting, I stands for informed, and O stands for omitted or out of loop):

R = Who actually completes the task.

A = Ultimate ownership, with yes or no authority; makes the final decision.

C = Consulted prior to an action or final decision; involves two-way communication.

I = Who needs to be informed after a decision or action has been taken; involves one-way communication.

S = Who supports the task to completion.

O = Someone who is not part of the task (helps to enhance the clarity of roles and responsibilities).