Sample RACI Matrix for Release Planning
I love a RACI matrix.
Such a simple tool to define who is doing which task in a process. It’s not only an incredibly useful communication tool, but also a way to spot gaps in capability, authority and process steps.
There is no one-size-fits-all for a RACI matrix - not the tasks nor who is assigned to each level. It entirely depends on how you want to release, and who you have in your organisation, both roles and individual people and skills.
Below is my sample of one for a software release planning process citing, what I think, are the foundational key steps. Some additional ones for a more established process may also be:
T-shirt sizing
Create release documentation & release comms for users
Create release documentation & release comms for internal staff
Update product documentation (user journeys, user stories, UI/UX design spec, product vision document etc.)
Update technical documentation (system architecture docs, API docs, knowledge base articles etc.)
Update user documentation (wiki help articles, manuals, installation guides, FAQs etc.)
Update regression testing pack
Update release roadmap plan
Create or update training materials
| Task/Activity | Responsible | Accountable | Consulted | Informed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MoSCoW analysis, prep potential scope of the release | Helpdesk Manager | Head of Business Development | Customer Stakeholders, Development Team, QA/BA Specialist, Design Lead | Project Manager |
| Gather Requirements on tickets, create acceptance criteria | BA/QA Specialist | Head of Business Development | Customer Stakeholders, Development Team | Project Manager |
| Technical Resource Allocation | Development Team Lead | Development Team Lead | Development Team | Project Manager |
| Release plan | Project Manager | Project Manager | Development Team Lead, Development Team, QA/BA Specialist, Design Lead | Head of Business Development, Helpdesk Manager |
| Progress review & oversight | Project Manager | Project Manager | Development Team Lead, Development Team, QA/BA Specialist, Design Lead | Head of Business Development, Helpdesk Manager |
| Risk Management | Project Manager | Project Manager | Development Team Lead, Development Team, QA/BA Specialist, Design Lead | Head of Business Development, Helpdesk Manager |
| Development | Development Team | Development Team Lead | QA/BA Specialist | Helpdesk Manager |
| System testing | Development Team | Development Team Lead | QA/BA Specialist | Helpdesk Manager |
| Internal QA Testing | BA/QA Specialist | Project Manager | Development Team Lead, Development Team | Helpdesk Manager |
| E2E regression testing | BA/QA Specialist | Project Manager | Development Team Lead, Development Team | Helpdesk Manager |
| Release Readiness Review | Project Manager | Project Manager | Development Team, QA/BA Specialist | Head of Business Development, Helpdesk Manager |
| Deployment | Development Team | Development Team Lead | BA/QA Specialist, Head of Business Development | Customer stakeholders |