A project charter is a project planning document that sells the project to stakeholders and sponsors. It provides a preliminary delineation of roles and responsibilities, outlines the project’s key goals, identifies the main stakeholders, and defines the authority of the project manager. A project charter is essential for any project, regardless of its size or complexity, as it serves the following purposes:
It authorizes the project and grants the project manager the permission to use organizational resources
It serves as a primary sales document that summarizes the project’s value proposition and return on investment
It acts as a roadmap that guides the project team and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
It helps to manage the project scope and avoid scope creep by establishing the project boundaries and deliverables
It facilitates communication and alignment among the project team, sponsors, and stakeholders by clarifying the project objectives, assumptions, risks, and constraints Therefore, the project manager should explain to the sponsor that a project charter is necessary to ensure agreement on scope and deliverables and to define the project manager’s responsibilities. Without a project charter, the project may face the following risks:
Lack of clarity and direction for the project team and stakeholders
Misalignment of expectations and goals among the project team, sponsors, and stakeholders
Scope creep and change requests that may impact the project schedule, budget, and quality
Conflicts and disputes over roles, responsibilities, and authority
Reduced stakeholder engagement and support References:
What is a Project Charter? Complete Guide & Examples
How to Write a Project Charter: Examples & Template Included
Project charter - Wikipedia
