The Purpose of the Project Charter

 

The most important result of the Project Initiation phase is the project charter, which formally authorizes the work of the project to begin (or continue) and gives the project manager authority to do his job. Someone external to the team and of higher organizational rank issues this authorization.

 

Per PMI (Project Management Institute), a project cannot start without a project charter.  

 

Feed the Children does not require a project charter on all projects.  Each project is different and requirements vary. Therefore, depending on the project scope, time and resource require needed needed a charter my not be required.  The project request form may provide enough information to kick off the initiation phase of the project.  Strategic Planning and Performance will review the request form and provide next steps to the requestor.

 

In many organizations, the project charter document may have a different name. For instance, the terms project initiation form and project authorization are sometimes used. For the exam, make sure you are clear on what a project charter is to PMI.  

 

*Note: Feed the Children uses Project Request Form and/or  Project Charter).**  

 

The PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge), recognizes that a signed contract can serve as a project charter.

 

Elements of a Project Charter

 

According to PMI, a project charter should possess the following characteristics at a minimum:

• A description of the business need the project will meet. (See SOW vs Business Case)

• A description of the product resulting from the project. (See SOW vs Business Case)

• Be issued by a manager external to the project who can satisfy the needs of the project.

 

In addition to these elements, you will generally find a section describing the key objectives and goals of the project.

 

These objectives and goals are often the key assumptions, constraints, and/or target performance metrics for the initiative. In particular, any assumption or constraint affecting the project's schedule, budget, or quality will be listed.