A project needs descriptive assistance through which others can understand the technicalities of it. Many would ask what this is? Who does it? Who signs it? Can a project manager write it? Is it a simple project document? Why is it important? The list goes on.Project Charter is a versatile document that formally authorizes a project or a phase. It defines the reason of establishing the project and assigns it to whoever is worthy of doing it. Similar to how a movie without a script can be a disaster, a project without its charter can end up like a flop movie. The sole purpose of a project charter is to document and acknowledge the existence of the project. This document will be proof to commit organizational resources to the project. Project managers need to create a project charter in order to analyse the following aspects:
Certainly, the success of the project can never be measured if a charter is not present to do so.
Projects are usually initiated by sponsors, project managers or chairperson of an organization. A charter is needed to establish a roles and responsibilities among the members. If the project is a shared collaboration between two organisation, it creates a smooth partnership between them. Project Management Office (PMO) deals with formal contracts to ensure if the external organization is trustworthy or not. A clear and concise charter can be used to:
This high-level document demands attention and strategic changes which shall be given under much needed circumstances. For better project management planning, a periodic review is essential. Project charter acts as a central document that works as a key component to client companies. This document contains short explanations or detailed specifications about the scope of work. A general project charter is incomplete without the authorized signature at the end. It is usually a signature of the customer at the bottom that conveys authority to bind the agreement. The counter signature is from an officer from the consultancy. Clearly a project manager. He is assigned to initiate the project as soon as possible. To make it more feasible, the charter is the first thing to be developed. It is done even prior to the planning and development stage. Although, sponsor are eligible to sign the project charter, the one who is additionally responsible for the document is the project manager. Until the end of the project, it is the duty of a project manager to provide recommendations and oversight.
Who is responsible for Project Charter? | Source The clear answer is no. The Project Charter is an important business document but it is not the only one. Business Case and Benefits Management Plan are Project Phase documents, which act as an input to the Project. Chartering a project validates alignment of the project to the strategy and ongoing work of the organization. Contract
Project Charter
Business Case:
Project Charter:
You are mistaken if you thought that a project manager can sign the Project Charter. Project Manager DOES NOT sign it but Project Sponsor does. The sponsor must authorize it, not write it. Project Manager is the one who develops the document. The authorization may be delivered by a formal signature by the sponsor, a formal chartering ceremony, or simply a reply e-mail saying, “I agree. Proceed.” A Project Charter depends upon the project type and the organization but a general outline comprises of:
1. Initiate
2. Develop
3. Get Agreement
4. Sign off by the Authority
5. Publish the project Charter
I have witnessed that many project managers initiate a project without having a clear Project Charter and it doesn’t end well. The document is an integral part of Project Management as it gives a purpose to planning, meetings, discussion and objectives of the project. Personal Advice? Always initiate a project with a Project Charter, whether its 1 pager or 15, but make it and get it approved before proceeding further. Visual Project Charter Usually, a project charter spans 5-6 pages. This is one of the major reasons why they get overlooked in the project management process. An easier way to write a project charter that everyone can quickly read and understand, with minimal effort is through visualization. Fully Customizable Project CharterA fully customizable Project Charter Template from Rocketlane would be a great addition to your library. It would help you in crafting your Project Charter document effectively.
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