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A project charter is a document that defines a project. It provides all the information that is require to initiate a project. This is an important source document that all other project documents typically reference. Project charters define why a project exists, what it will achieve, how it will be conducted and evaluated, who will do what, when it will be deliver and how much it will cost. The following are common elements of a project charter that can be used as a table of contents.
SummaryProviding context in a few sentences that completely describe the project.Problem StatementOverview of opportunities or problems that are driving the project.MissionA mission statement associated with the project.VisionWhat the future looks like when the project is delivered.GoalsSpecifically, what the project aims to achieve.Key Success FactorsHow the project will be evaluated.
AssumptionsThe facts and interpretations on which the project is based. DependenciesAn outline of initial dependencies. In many cases, dependencies are covered as assumptions.ConstraintsLimitations and restrictions such as resources and time.DecisionsA list of relevant decisions that have been made to date. Can be included as assumptions.Alternatives ConsideredDocument alternatives to decisions that were considered with a rationale for choices. This helps the future to understand the context of the project as it answers questions such as "why didn't they ..."
RisksAn initial list of identified risks. Project risk management is an ongoing activity that can begin with the project charter.ScopeWhat is known about the scope at the time the project charter is delivered. This typically changes with requirements.Out-of-ScopeExplicitly state things that will not be delivered by the project to prevent unjustified assumptions.
BudgetA budget outline.StakeholdersA list of stakeholders and a an org chart for the project team.Roles & ResponsibilitiesA list of stakeholders mapped to roles with each stakeholder either responsible, accountable, consulted or informed.Facilities and ResourcesFacilities and resources required by the project.Standards & MethodologiesA mention of project management methodologies and standards that apply to the project.
GovernanceGovernance structures and principles.MilestonesAn outline of milestones such as phases, stages, deliverables and decision gates.DeliverablesA description of deliverables.EstimatesPreliminary estimates if available. Include a disclaimer that estimates are likely to change upon further analysis and scope changes.Glossary Definition of any non-standard terminology used by the project.|
| Type | Project Management | | Definition (1) | A document that defines a project. | | Definition (2) | A terms of reference for a project. | | Value | The foundational source document for a project. | | Notes | It should be noted that projects typically change significantly over time with emerging goals, approaches and requirements that end up differing significantly from a project charter. As such, a project charter captures what is known about a project at the start. | | Related Concepts | Terms Of ReferenceProject ManagementBusiness Analysis |
Project Management
This is the complete list of articles we have written about project management.
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A list of common project risks.
A list of basic project management techniques.
A definition of workaround with examples.
A list of project branding techniques.
A definition of project stakeholder management with examples.
A definition of action plan with examples.
The primary types of cost overrun.
The definition of document control with examples.
A guide to project oversight.
A definition of design driven development with examples.
A list of common project risks.
A list of common project stakeholders.
A list of common business risks.
The difference between a risk and an issue.
The four things that can be done about risk.
The definition of secondary risk with examples.
A guide to creating a risk register with an example.
A definition of risk perception with examples.
The common types of implementation.
A reasonably complete guide to project risk management.
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