Your Project Charter is the most important document that must be developed at the start of each phase of your project. It is essential for laying the foundations for the completion of each phase.

Whether you are undertaking a study phase or completing the execution of the project, whether you are completing the work in-house, outsourcing or providing project delivery services to a client, the fundamentals of the delivery of each phase must be included in the Project Charter.

In general, the purpose of a Project Charter is to:

* Advise the organisation of the initiation of a new project;

* Convey key information on this project;

* Give formal recognition and authority to the Project Manager; and

* Agree key project details between the Sponsor, Project Owner and Project Manager so that these provide direction for the planning phase.

It is the ‘contract’ for the delivery of the project between the project owners and the project manager, setting out timeframes, scope, risks, and the assumptions and constraints on which the assessment for measuring project success is based. It also formally assigns roles and accountability as well as setting the Project Manager’s authority.

PM Pathway offers a set of Project Initiation and Setup Templates providing the tools and templates for establishing your project/project phase. Each template and tool is also available individually to enhance, or fill gaps in, your existing processes. It is also available as part of the complete framework of project management templates for project delivery. Each template offers a cost effective way of incorporating tested and trusted processes into your organisation.

Regardless of your role on the project, given the value of a Project Charter, the benefits of having one in place from the start are clear!

Matthew PM Pathway, Project Management, Templates