Creating a project charter
A project charter is a document that outlines the goals, objectives, and resources needed for a project. It is a formal document that serves as a blueprint for the project and provides a common understanding of the project's scope, deliverables, and stakeholders. A project charter is typically created at the beginning of a project and is used to guide the project team and stakeholders throughout the project. It is usually developed by the project manager in collaboration with key stakeholders, and it is typically reviewed and approved by a sponsor or other high-level decision maker. The project charter is an important tool for defining the project and obtaining the necessary resources and support to successfully complete it.
A project charter typically includes the following components:
- Project purpose: A statement of the project's overall goal and objectives.
- Project scope: A description of the project's boundaries and what is and is not included in the project.
- Deliverables: A list of the specific outputs or results that the project will produce.
- Stakeholders: A list of the individuals or groups who will be affected by the project or who have a vested interest in its success.
- Project schedule: A timeline that outlines the major phases and milestones of the project.
- Budget: An estimate of the financial resources needed to complete the project.
- Resources: A list of the personnel, equipment, and other resources that will be required to complete the project.
- Risks and assumptions: A list of potential risks and assumptions that could impact the project, along with a plan for mitigating those risks.
- Approvals: A list of the individuals or groups who need to review and approve the project charter.
- Project sponsor: The individual or group who is responsible for providing the necessary resources and support to complete the project.
Why you should create a project charter
- It provides a clear vision and direction for the project: A project charter defines the project's goals, objectives, and scope, which helps to ensure that the project stays focused and on track.
- It establishes authority and accountability: The project charter defines the roles and responsibilities of the project team and other stakeholders, which helps to establish authority and accountability.
- It secures resources: A project charter can be used to secure the necessary resources and support for the project, such as funding, personnel, and equipment.
- It serves as a reference point: The project charter can be used as a reference point throughout the project to ensure that the project stays aligned with the original goals and objectives.
- It facilitates communication: A project charter provides a common understanding of the project for all stakeholders, which helps to facilitate communication and collaboration.
- It helps to mitigate risks: A project charter can identify potential risks and assumptions, and outline a plan for mitigating those risks, which helps to reduce the likelihood of project delays or failures.
Overall, a project charter is an important tool for defining the project and obtaining the necessary resources and support to successfully complete it. It helps to ensure that the project stays focused, organized, and on track, and it can help to mitigate potential risks and problems.
Common mistakes that people make when writing a project charter
- Not involving the right people: It is important to involve key stakeholders in the creation of the project charter to ensure that it reflects the needs and concerns of all relevant parties.
- Not defining the scope clearly: A poorly defined scope can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts later on. It is important to be specific and to outline the boundaries of the project clearly.
- Not setting clear objectives: Without clear objectives, it is difficult to measure the success of the project. Be sure to define specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives.
- Not identifying the deliverables: A project charter should clearly outline the specific outputs or results that the project will produce.
- Not allocating resources properly: Failing to properly allocate resources can lead to delays and budget overruns. Be sure to identify and allocate the necessary personnel, equipment, and other resources to ensure the success of the project.
- Not addressing risks and assumptions: Identifying and addressing potential risks and assumptions upfront can help to mitigate potential problems later on. Be sure to include a section on risks and assumptions in the project charter.
- Not obtaining approvals: It is important to have the project charter reviewed and approved by the necessary individuals or groups to ensure that the project has the necessary support and resources to move forward.
- Not communicating the project charter effectively: The project charter should be shared with the project team and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of the project goals, objectives, and expectations. Be sure to communicate the project charter effectively to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.
Steps involved in creating a project charter
- Identify the project sponsor and project manager: The project sponsor is the individual or group responsible for providing the necessary resources and support to complete the project. The project manager is the person who will be responsible for leading and coordinating the project team.
- Define the project purpose and objectives: Clearly state the overall goal of the project and the specific objectives that the project aims to achieve.
- Define the project scope: Outline the boundaries of the project and what is and is not included in the project.
- Identify the deliverables: List the specific outputs or results that the project will produce.
- Identify the stakeholders: Identify the individuals or groups who will be affected by the project or who have a vested interest in its success.
- Develop a project schedule: Create a timeline that outlines the major phases and milestones of the project.
- Estimate the budget: Determine the financial resources needed to complete the project.
- Identify the resources needed: List the personnel, equipment, and other resources that will be required to complete the project.
- Identify risks and assumptions: Identify potential risks and assumptions that could impact the project, and develop a plan for mitigating those risks.
- Obtain approvals: Have the project charter reviewed and approved by the necessary individuals or groups.
- Communicate the project charter: Share the project charter with the project team and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of the project goals, objectives, and expectations.
A project charter is an essential tool for defining and organizing any project. It provides a clear vision and direction for the project, establishes authority and accountability, secures necessary resources, serves as a reference point, facilitates communication, and helps to mitigate risks. Without a project charter, it is difficult to ensure that the project stays focused, organized, and on track. Additionally, a project charter is often required in order to secure the necessary resources and support for a project. Therefore, it is always a good idea to create a project charter for any project, in order to increase the chances of success and avoid potential problems.