Project Charter

A project charter is a written document that defines a project's objectives, scope, stakeholders, risks, timeline, and budget to guide project execution.

Project charters are essential documents in project management, providing a clear and concise description of the project's objectives, scope, resources, and stakeholders. The Harvard Business School defines a project charter as a "written document that authorizes the project and provides the project manager with the authority to use organizational resources to execute the project and identify the project's objectives, scope, constraints, and stakeholders."

A project charter serves as a critical communication tool between the project manager, team, and stakeholders. It outlines the purpose, objectives, and expected outcomes of the project, providing a clear roadmap for the team to follow. Additionally, it identifies potential risks and constraints, enabling the team to manage them proactively and effectively.

A strong Project Charter includes the following components: 

1. Project Overview: This section should provide an overview of the project, including the project's purpose, objectives, scope, and expected outcomes.

2. Project Organization: This section should define the roles and responsibilities of the project team members and stakeholders. It should identify the project sponsor, project manager, team members, and other key stakeholders. At BS LLC we use the DARCI model. 

3. Project Scope: This section should define the project's boundaries, deliverables, and requirements. It should identify what the project will deliver and what it will not deliver.

4. Project Constraints: This section should identify any constraints that may impact the project, such as time, budget, resources, and regulatory requirements. It should also include any assumptions made in defining the project's scope.

5. Project Risks: This section should identify potential risks and challenges that may affect the project's success. It should outline a risk management plan that includes risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and contingency planning.

6. Project Schedule/Timeline: This section should include a detailed timeline of the project, including specific tasks, deadlines, and milestones. The timeline should clearly define the project's start and end dates, as well as any interim deadlines or review points

7. Project Budget: This section should outline the budget for the project, including estimates for labor, materials, and other costs.

8. Project Approval: This section should include the signatures of the project sponsor and other key stakeholders, indicating their approval of the project charter.

In conclusion, a project charter is a critical document in project management that provides the team and stakeholders with a clear understanding of the project's objectives, scope, resources, and constraints. By developing a well-defined project charter, project managers can effectively manage the project's risks, constraints, and stakeholders, and ensure successful project delivery.