016 How to create a Project Charter

Summary

This script emphasizes the importance of a project charter as a 'passport' for smooth project execution, avoiding delays at 'borders'. It should be concise, easily understood, and include essential project information like ID, description, objectives, scope, stakeholders, risks, and budget. The charter serves as a reference, guiding further detailed exploration when needed. The video also touches on the initiation phase's role in setting the project's vision and direction, noting that the project manager's appointment can occur at any point during this phase.

Takeaways

• 🚂 The project charter is essential for a project's viability, acting as its 'passport' to avoid delays and questions at every stage.
• 📄 A project charter is a high-level document that should be easy to understand and quickly reference fundamental project information.
• 🖋️ The project owner is typically responsible for compiling the project charter.
• 🔍 The charter includes key sections such as project ID, name, description, objectives, timeline, scope, stakeholders, risks, and budget.
• 📝 The project ID may include a unique number to distinguish it, especially in programs with multiple projects.
• 🎯 The project description outlines the goal and reason for undertaking the project.
• 🗓️ Timeline and milestones are crucial for tracking the project's progress.
• 👥 Stakeholders, including clients, sponsors, and the project manager, are identified along with their involvement and impact.
• 💡 The charter should also address main risks and preparation strategies.
• 💼 The budget section details financial constraints and who is responsible for granting funds.
• 📑 Additional sections like business cases and attachments can be included if relevant.
• 📈 The initiation phase is about evaluation and approval, setting the foundation and vision for the entire project.
• 👤 The project manager can be appointed at any time during the initiation phase, but the project won't proceed to the planning phase without their review.

Q & A

What is the metaphorical 'passport' for a project mentioned in the script?

The 'passport' for a project is the project charter, which is a high-level document that contains all the fundamental information about the project, allowing it to proceed without unnecessary delays or questioning.

Who is typically responsible for putting together a project charter?

The project owner is usually responsible for creating the project charter.

What are the key sections that must be included in a project charter according to the script?

The key sections in a project charter include the project ID, project name, organization name, project description, project objectives, timeline and milestones, project scope, key stakeholders, main risks and their preparation, and budget.

Why is it important to keep the project charter non-technical?

The project charter should be non-technical so that it is easy to understand and reference for anyone, ensuring they can quickly find what they need without getting bogged down in technical details.

What is the purpose of the project charter in the context of the project's initiation phase?

The project charter serves as the foundation for the entire project during the initiation phase, setting the overall vision and direction for the project.

Can the project manager be appointed at any time during the initiation phase?

Yes, the project manager can technically be appointed at any time during the initiation phase, even right at the end after the charter has been written up.

What is the role of the project charter in relation to the planning phase of a project?

The project charter is essential for the project to move into the planning phase, as the project manager must review and approve it before proceeding.

What is the recommended length for a project charter?

A project charter should not exceed one or two pages to maintain brevity and ease of reference.

Can additional sections be included in a project charter if relevant to the project?

Yes, different projects may include additional sections in the project charter if they are relevant and necessary for that specific project.

What is the next phase of the project management process after the initiation phase?

The next phase after the initiation phase is the planning phase, which will be discussed in the next lesson according to the script.

Why is the initiation phase considered the foundation for the entire project?

The initiation phase is crucial as it involves evaluation and approval of high-level analyses that set the project's overall vision and direction, thus serving as the foundation for all subsequent phases.