202  Blockchain

the business problem and showcase the existing processes and how it has

or can become a major issue for an organisation going forward. To put

it within a perspective of blockchain, one of the problem statements can

be the lack of interoperability between various existing products and plat-

forms. For instance, without an interoperable solution, blockchain solu-

tions cannot sustain globally where there is a need to create a consortium

with many third parties, which might be using different blockchain prod-

ucts and platforms already.

Stakeholders

A business case must include appropriate stakeholders who are account-

able or responsible or would like to have information and communication.

RACI is one of the best ways to formally define all parties who will be part

of the upcoming strategic solution to solve a business problem. The best

way to decide on all stakeholders making sure that none is left out is to

define an RACI matrix.

RACI refers to

• Responsible: Those individuals who do the work to complete a task

or activities that are part of the project or programme. There must

be at least one role as responsible; however, other participants can be

delegated to assist in the work required.

• Accountable: An accountable person is an individual who acts as

an approver or final authority to make a decision. This role is ulti-

mately answerable for the completion of the delivery of the solution.

An accountable individual is the final authority to sign off the out-

comes that are delivered by a responsible role. There must be only one

accountable person specified for a deliverable.

• Consulted: These are the SMEs (subject matter experts) who provide

their expert knowledge and experience. Their opinion and advice

are sought continuously throughout the lifecycle of the programme

or project. There is usually two-way communication with consulted

individuals.

• Informed: These individuals are kept up to date on the progress and

completion of the deliverables throughout the lifecycle of the pro-

gramme/project. There is one-way communication with these group

of individuals.

In the case of a blockchain business case that is trying to solve the problem

for interoperability of various blockchain products and solutions used by

third parties to establish a consortium, the following can be an RACI:

• Responsible: A project manager, programme manager, vendor or con-

sulting firm who has been assigned to deliver the solution as part of

the business case.