RASCI-method in 3 minutes

The basics

The RASCI-method is a participative approach that is used to stimulate organizations in process-oriented thinking and working. The approach provides a structure that has been proven in practice as well as a concrete step-by-step plan for the development and optimization of processes and responsibilities. In addition to the representation via the RASCI model (Figure 1), a specified framework, 3-2-1 approach and 8-Step plan are used (Figure 2).

Characteristic is that those involved in the organization enter a dialogue with each other in a participative manner, while they are professionally facilitated. It’s a step-by-step process that leads to a supported outcome that is guaranteed to meet the frameworks set in advance by management.

Figure 1 The RASCI-model: Process and responsibilities powerfully combined.

What does RASCI mean?

RASCI is an acronym, where the letters stand for the different roles that people can have in a process. Responsible, Accountable, Supporting, Consulted and Informed.

Summary

The RASCI-method works from the conviction that there is more potential in every organization and with the right people at the table you can achieve whatever you want.
Based on years of experience with process management the RASCI-method has been developed and repeatedly refined. It allows organizations to be facilitated with the desired change in a professional manner. The change process is facilitated by qualified consultants who guide managers, process owners and employees with the desired change.

In this way, process-oriented thinking and working are stimulated in organizations:

•       By starting from Rhineland principles in which craftsmanship, trust and connection are central values.

•       By combining expertise in the field of risk management, process management and improvement management.

•       By giving employees a key role in implementing change, so that the change is not imposed but achieved from within.

In this way, the collective intelligence within the organization is activated and people are facilitated and activated to do what is required.

The management determines the strategic direction and starting points through the strategic objectives and frameworks to be used. To achieve the strategic objectives, it is assessed whether the current business model is still appropriate. Through multidisciplinary teams, both the business model and the processes are assessed, aligned, and improved at a detailed level. Qualified consultants facilitate these interactive sessions in which ownership and the desired working method are determined and implemented within the organization concerned. This creates an effective and efficient working method that fits the chosen strategic direction. In this way, the available knowledge and experience at all levels are optimally connected and deployed (Figure 2).

Figure 2 The RASCI-method: Connection between strategy and operation.

The business model

All the processes required to realize the organization’s strategy are reflected in the business model. This should include the management, support, primary and improvement processes.
It provides everyone inside and outside the organization a complete overview of all processes and their interdependence.

Figure 3 The business model.

The RASCI-model

The RASCI-model (Figure 1) combines in a compact way the description of a business process with the responsibilities associated for each step. For each business process, one page shows the objective, the scope and all the required activities and decisions to achieve the relevant goal. The corresponding RASCI-roles are defined for each step in the same overview, so that it is clear at a glance to all involved how they should work together to achieve the desired result.

Target audience

The RASCI-method can be used wherever people work together to achieve a common goal and can be applied in any type of organization.
Typical users of the RASCI-method are:
•       Leaders and managers at all levels.
•       Process Managers and Process Owners.
•       QHSE managers (quality, health, safety and environment).
•       Information security consultants (ISMS).
•       Internal and external facilitators of change processes.
•       Everyone involved in modeling and improving processes.
•       Everyone involved in the development and implementation of management systems.
•       Organizational consultants and trainers.
•       Students and trainees, public administration and business economics.

Scope and constraints

By means of the RASCI-method, a systematic connection is made between the strategy of the organization, the associated business model, and the design of the relevant business processes. Due to the participative way of working, the result is supported by all involved and the desired change starts immediately.

Strengths

•       Concise and understandable presentation of business processes.

•       Clarity about the desired working method.

•       Clarity in tasks, responsibilities, and authorities.

•       Broad support for the required change.

•       Respond faster to changing circumstances.

•       Improved cooperation between employees of different departments.

•       Insight into the relations between the business processes.

•       Easily comply with international standards such as: ISO 9001 (quality), 14001 (environment), 45001 (security) and 27001 (information security).

Constraints

While the RASCI-method is easy to understand and based on simple principles making it extremely powerful when used correctly, proper application of the RASCI method is also critical.
•       The RASCI-method should be well taught, supervised and experienced in practice for optimal application and acceptance within the organization.
•       For maximum effect, a top-down and bottom-up approach should be applied simultaneously to ensure that strategy and operations come together in the right way.
•       It is essential to involve the right people at the right time in every business process. Both on a management, tactical as well as on a operational level.
•       All those involved should receive training in advance to make them aware of the different roles and responsibilities they will have when applying the RASCI-method.
•      Top management must be prepared and able to steer from frameworks.

Relevant websites

Consultancy and training: RASCI Methode B.V. – www.rascimethode.nl (Dutch and English)

Software: INBISCO management systems B.V. –  www.inbisco.nl (Dutch and English)