Review the RACI when scope or team changes

A RACI built at kickoff and never updated is out of date the moment the first change happens.

Why it works

Scope changes, personnel changes, and milestone completions all invalidate parts of the original RACI. If the matrix isn’t updated, decisions are made by people who no longer have authority, people who should be consulted aren’t told, and accountability falls into gaps. Regular RACI reviews keep the accountability structure current with the actual state of the project.

How to do it

1. Schedule a RACI review at each major milestone or whenever a significant scope or personnel change happens.
2. Ask: "Have any A’s changed? Are there new decisions that aren’t in the matrix? Has anyone’s C become an I or vice versa?"
3. Update and redistribute the revised matrix; treat an outdated RACI as a project risk.

Evidence

Adaptive project management research shows that role clarity must be maintained dynamically, not just established at the start. Static assignment in a changing environment produces accountability gaps as roles evolve without explicit redesign. (mechanistic)

This practice is based on project management best practice logic rather than a specific empirical study of RACI review frequency and project outcomes.

Common mistake

Treating the RACI as a one-time deliverable for the kickoff document rather than as a living governance tool that needs maintenance.