What is a Project Charter?
A project charter is a short document that serves as an agreement between the project manager, sponsor, and key stakeholders. It defines areas of the project, outlines responsibilities. and provides authority for the project to begin. It ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page and provides a clear road map for the project from start to finish. Without a project charter, it would be difficult to accomplish an initiative effectively.
Benefits of a Project Charter
Think of a project charter as a contract between the project manager and the sponsor.
- It provides clarity to everyone on what needs to be accomplished. If something else comes up that should be added to the project, the charter can be used as a way to re-prioritize tasks.
- It's a way to set expectations.
- A project charter gives the project manager authority to make decisions.
- It's a reference point for all decisions.
Completing a Project Charter
A project charter should be completed by the project's sponsor. After the sponsor has determined the need for a project, they should develop the details. After a charter has been created the sponsor should get approval from a project manager and the rest of the stakeholders to move forward.
Tips for Creating a Project Charter
- Keep it short - Each section of the charter should be a few sentences. The charter is a high-level overview.
- Seek insight - the Project Sponsor is responsible for completing the charter, but they should seek input from other stakeholders on setting realistic goals/milestones and identifying risks.
- Use the charter template - The PMO has created a template for Metro State to use (see attached). By using the template projects will stay consistent and concise now and in the future.
Definitions
- Project Sponsor - Usually a member of senior management and advocates for the project from a high organizational level. Responsibilities include:
- Creating the project charter.
- Signing off on approvals that move the project through each phase.
- Collaborating with the project manager in the facilitation of progress and alignment.
- Serving as the escalation point between the project manager and executive stakeholders.
- Project Activity Owner - A leadership role delegated by the project sponsor to make high-level project decisions. Serves as the project manager if not a PMO-managed project.
- Project Manager - Responsible for the execution of the project. Responsibilities include:
- Creating a project plan with the project sponsor and project activity owner.
- Oversees the day-to-day work.
- Hold regular check-ins and create meeting minutes.
- Establish methodology.
- Project Team Members - Carry out the actual project work. Focused on execution rather than high-level planning. Responsibilities include:
- Completing project deliverables on time.
- Lending their expertise to cross-functional teams.
- Communicating with other team members and the project manager.
Additional Resources