for internal use only project management – the project charter february 27, 2009

For internal use only

Project Management – The Project Charter

February 27, 2009

> 2 For internal use only

Goals of this Presentation

•Illustrate the Importance of creating and maintaining a Project Charter

•Review some of the Inputs and Tools & Techniques used to create a Project Charter

•Highlight some of the benefits from using a Project Charter and how these benefits can help reduce risks and pitfalls


Agenda

Definition of a Project Charter•PMI’s Definition - (PMBOK)

Key Statements about the Project Charter

The Five Inputs for Developing a Project Charter•PMI - (PMBOK)

Tools and Techniques for Developing a Project Charter•PMI - (PMBOK)

Typical Sections to be Included on a Project Charter

Outputs of the Project Charter•PMI – (PMBOK)

Benefits of Utilizing and Maintaining a Project Charter

Summary

Questions


PMI’s Definition

A Project Charter is the process of developing a document that formally authorizes a project or a phase and documenting initial requirements that satisfy the stakeholders’ needs and expectations. It establishes a partnership between the performing organization and the client. The approved Project Charter formally initiates the project.


Key Statements

Writing, maintaining, and using an effective Project Charter is one of a project manager’s most important jobs.

When properly used, a Project Charter will be the single most important tool the project manager/lead utilizes for managing

the expectations of the project sponsor and all other stakeholders.The Project Charter is used to set the project direction and defines

the measures of success.The Project Charter provides a consolidated and summary-level

overview of the project. It allows all stakeholders to agree and document project scope, objectives, timeframe, and

deliverables. A Project Charter is created at the beginning of a project, approved

by the stakeholders, and signed off before work can begin.Every BIM project should have a Project Charter created and

maintained. There is no official project without an approved Project charter


Five Inputs for Developing a Project Charter

Project Statement of Work

•Business Need and Product Scope Definition

•This is our “Project Brief” document

Business CaseContractEnterprise Environmental FactorsOrganizational Process Assets


Tools and Techniques for Developing a Project Charter

Expert Judgment is the most frequently used tool and technique used to develop the Project Charter. Such expertise is usually provided by any group or individual with specialized knowledge of the product or project deliverable. Some types of expertise are as follows;

Other Units within the Organization – SME’s

Stakeholders and Sponsors

Consultants

PMO – Project Management Office (BIM)


Typical Sections on a Project Charter

Project Goal/s - x

Scope Statement - x

Deliverables - x

Key Stakeholders - x

Assumptions - x

Constraints - x

Initial Risks - x

Schedule Estimates

Cost Estimates - x

Success Criteria

“Signatures” - x


Outputs of the Project Charter

Project Purpose or Justification

Measurable Project Objectives

High-level Requirements

High-level Project Description

High-level Risks

Summary Milestone Schedule

Summary Budget


Benefits of Using a Project Charter

Stakeholders are clearly defined

Communication channels are defined

Roles and Responsibilities are outlined

Scope is Defined – Helps prevent “Scope Creep”

Improved Project Management Processes in later Phases

Increased Probability of project Success

“BUY IN” from Project Team Members


Summary

A Project Charter officially initiates a Project

Project Charters are a High-level view of the Project objectives, deliverables, and scope

Project Charters are living documents and need to be updated as the Project moves forward

There are standard inputs and tools & techniques for building a Project Charter. One size does not fit all

A well managed Project Charter will be the single most important tool for a PM/PL to manage Project expectations


Questions?

for internal use only project management – the project charter february 27, 2009

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