5 Elements of a Project Charter

Since a project can span several months and involve a variety of resources and skills, the Project Manager is expected to outline the project framework and establish the fundamental components of the work effort.

Everyone involved within the project, as well as the stakeholders, need a document that helps to define the rules and structure of the project. Once defined and signed off, the charter will serve as the reference guide that will keep the team and all work efforts focused on the overall goals established by the project champion or executive sponsor.

The charter is a roadmap that helps to keep the project on track and focus all activities toward the goal of the effort. In addition, the charter will establish the overarching rules and hierarchy needed to address issue and risk management throughout the project schedule.

The guiding principles within this document will provide the fundamental structure the Project team needs to keep moving in the right direction and within budget. The executive team or steering committee will be identified as the governing entity to drive policy and make executive level decisions when necessary.

Some of the elements of a Project Charter might include:

1. Introduction
2. Project Scope
3. Project Structure, Roles and Responsibilities
4. Methodology
5. Standards and Procedures

In summary, the project charter helps to keep all groups and team members in line with intended goals and objectives. Additional areas may also need to be defined depending upon the type of project being started and managed, and it is up to the steering committee or project champion to sing on the bottom line to show buy in from the executive level.

A Project Management Charter can make it easier for Executive Leadership to share their vision and objectives for the work effort.

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