Introduction to Project Management: The Quick Reference Handbook

PART I: PLANNING AND LAUNCHING A PROJECT

1. DEVELOPING A PROJECT CHARTER

A. INTRODUCTION

When developing a Project Charter, it is important to fully understand the concept of a project. A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service or result. It is essential to differentiate the concepts of projects and operations. Projects are different from operations in that they end when their objectives have been reached or the project has been terminated. No two projects are alike. However, all projects should go through the same Project Management Process, which is composed of Project Initiation, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Control. The final step is the Closing Process. This chapter will concentrate on the first process, Project Initiation.

The main purpose of Project Initiation is to facilitate the formal authorization and evaluate the proposed project. It includes two activities: developing the Project Charter and developing the preliminary Scope Statement. We will focus on developing the Project Charter. During this process the Charter is presented, and the project’s strengths and viability are evaluated.

A Project Charter is a document that officially recognizes the creation of a project and provides direction on the project’s objectives and management. Also it includes the authorization to utilize the organizational resources needed to complete the project. The charter defines partners and external stakeholders, the project management framework, roles, responsibilities and activities. Having a Project Charter will