Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)
EVM Terms
Reviewed by forProject Technology - updated Sep 2026
Quick definition: The Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) is a chart showing how Work Breakdown Structure elements map to the organizations responsible for completing them.
The RAM connects the 'what' of the WBS to the 'who' of the Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS), showing which organizational unit owns each piece of work. It's typically presented as a grid with WBS elements on one axis and organizations on the other.
Why it matters
The RAM makes accountability explicit -- every piece of scope has a clearly assigned owner, which is essential for control account management and for avoiding gaps or overlaps in responsibility. It's also a key artifact reviewed during an Integrated Baseline Review.
Also known as
RAM
Used in
Control Account; Integrated Baseline Review
See also
FAQ
What two structures does the RAM connect?
It connects the Work Breakdown Structure (the scope of work) to the Organizational Breakdown Structure (who performs it).
Who uses the RAM day to day?
Control Account Managers and program management rely on it to confirm exactly which organization owns a given piece of work.
Definition maintained by forProject Technology.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
