Project charter is prepared during the initiation phase. The project sponsor is accountable for creating the project charter. The appointed project manager can assist the sponsor to develop the project charter. Once completed, the project sponsor (senior management representative) approves it. All changes thereafter must be re-approved by the sponsor. A well documented project charter gives a solid start to the project.
Contents of a Project Charter
- The project’s purpose
- Success criteria of the project
- High level requirements
- The key deliverables
- Major project risks
- Major assumptions
- Major milestones with dates
- Approved financial resources
- Key stakeholders list
- Project’s final approval requirements
- Assigned project manager’s name, roles & responsibilities
- Sponsor’s name, roles & responsibilities
Inputs to develop project charter
- Business case of the project
- Benefits management plan
- Contractual agreements
- Enterprise environmental factors
- Organizational process assets
Tools & Techniques
- Expert judgment
- Brainstorming
- Focus groups
- Interviews
- Conflict management
- Facilitation
- Meeting management
- Meetings