The most important role of a Project Charter is to set out precisely what the project will achieve. The charter sets out to formally authorize the project and provide authority to the Project Manager.
Key Points
- It should explain the need for the project
- Written by the sponsor and/or customer but in many cases, the Project Manager will provide
Input
- Signed by the organization requesting the Project or a Senior Project Manager
- The charter documents high-level risk, project requirements, high-level milestones. It should not provide the specifics of project activities
- Resource allocation and high-level budget
Benefits of a Project Charter
- Projects should be approved based on the business case not just opinions
- When the charter is utilized correctly, it helps provide a better return on your investment
- The project must align with the company’s strategic plan if utilized correctly the details in the Charter can provide assurance that it does.
- Serves a great tool to kick-off the project meeting.
- Solidifies the Project’s purpose
Additional Information
Some additional questions that can be asked to make your Project Charter more effective:
- Has the need for the Project been examined? Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
- Does this Project tie to the Organization’s overall goals?
- Is the scope clearly defined?
- Are the project goals realistic? Can it be attained?
- What do we risk by not undertaking this Project?
- Are the outcomes of the project measurable?
- Do we have resources available?
Many projects forgo writing a Project Charter primarily because they do not see the need for one or do not know how to write. In NYIM’s Introduction to Project Management, our class will guide you on how to assemble a Project Charter and ensure you have all the right information.