The resource management plan is the primary document that outlines how project resources, including team members, are defined, acquired, managed, and controlled. A key component of this plan is the "Roles and Responsibilities" section, which explicitly details the authority, duties, and decision-making power assigned to each role on the project team. This is often documented using tools like a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM), such as a RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) chart, which provides clear guidance on levels of authority.

1. Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (6th ed.). Section 9.1.3.1

Resource Management Plan. Newtown Square

PA: Project Management Institute. This section explicitly states that the resource management plan includes "Roles and responsibilities

" which covers "Authority: The level of authority that a project team member has

such as the authority to make decisions

approve changes

or sign off on acceptances." (p. 318).

2. Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (7th ed.). Section 2.3

Team Performance Domain. Newtown Square

PA: Project Management Institute. This domain emphasizes the importance of establishing "a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities" for team effectiveness. The resource management plan is the formal artifact where this is documented.

3. Kerzner

H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning

Scheduling

and Controlling (12th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Chapter 5

"Organizing and Staffing the Project Office and Team

" discusses the Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) as a crucial tool within resource planning to define roles

responsibilities

and authority.