The “Develop Project Charter” process is the cornerstone of project initiation. It gives birth to a project or its specific phase and sets the tone for its execution, defining roles, expectations, and the relationship between involved entities.

Essential Details

  • Nature of the Project Charter:
    • It is a formal document that kickstarts a project or a specific phase.
    • It Captures initial requirements from stakeholders and their anticipated outcomes.
    • Defines the relationship between the performing and requesting organizations.
    • Key contract details are integrated into the charter if external entities are involved.
    • Empowers the project manager with the authority to allocate and utilize resources effectively.
  • Role of the Project Manager:
    • Typically assigned before the project’s formal initiation.
    • Actively involved in the charter’s creation, as it outlines their responsibilities and authority.
    • While the initiation might come from an external sponsor or an internal committee, the project manager often fills in the charter’s specifics.
  • Origins of the Project:
    • Projects can be born out of internal business needs or external influences.
    • The initiation usually begins with a needs analysis, a business case, or a situational description.
    • Essential inputs for the charter include the project statement of work and any derived business case.
  • Influencing Factors:
    • The enterprise’s environmental factors and organizational process assets are pivotal in shaping the charter.
    • They encompass formats, standards, methodologies, and the organization’s knowledge.
  • Crafting the Charter:
    • Expert judgment is employed to process the inputs and draft a charter.
    • The charter elucidates the project’s deliverables, the authorized manager, and operational boundaries.
    • Once endorsed by the relevant authority within the organization, the charter becomes the project’s official authorization document, cementing the project manager’s role and responsibilities.

Wrap-Up

The “Develop Project Charter” process is more than just a procedural step; it’s the foundation upon which the entire project rests. By understanding its intricacies, stakeholders can ensure that the project starts on the right foot, with clear expectations, roles, and a roadmap for success.