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A project charter is a formal document that outlines the purpose, scope, and participants of a project. It serves as a reference of authority for the future of the project, clearly defining goals, stakeholders, and project boundaries.
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How to make a project charter
When developing a project charter, consider these critical elements:
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Create a concise project title and description detailing its purpose and final outcome.
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Define the project scope, the broad boundaries within which the project takes place, and any constraints.
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Identify key stakeholders and project team members along with their roles and responsibilities.
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Establish a project timeline, including milestones and a final completion date.
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Outline the project’s budget, resources, and risk management strategy.
How to use a project charter template
Utilizing a project charter template can ease the creation process, ensuring all critical components are included. You will need to fill out areas specific to your project, including project description, objectives, stakeholders, tasks, timeline and budgetary information. It’s crucial to fully customize the template to your project’s unique needs and refer to it regularly throughout the lifespan of the project for guidance.
Project charter FAQ
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Why is a project charter important? A project charter is important because it safeguards against scope creep, aligns all team members, and ensures stakeholders are aware of the project’s purpose and goals.
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Who should produce the project charter? The project manager, in consultation with project sponsors and key stakeholders, creates the project charter in most cases.
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Can a project charter be changed? No, a project charter should not be modified once approved, in general. However, if substantial changes to the scope or direction of the project become necessary, it may be revised with agreement from all stakeholders.
Author
Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.
