Elements of the Project Charter

 

When kicking off a complex program and engaging a range of stakeholders, it is helpful to spend some time establishing a clear Project Charter. While every project will vary, the following are elements of an effective charter:

 

  • What Are We Trying to Address and Accomplish?
    • Situation
    • Ambition and Vision
    • Measureable Objectives
    • In / Out of Scope
    • Business Justification
    • Org Readiness /Issues
  • What Are We Committing to Deliver and Achieve?
    • Key Deliverables / Dates / Milestones
    • Measuring Success?
      • Volumes
      • Effectiveness
      • Efficiency
      • Reliabilty
      • User Experience
      • Quality
  • Designing the Approach
    • Hypotheses
    • Related initiatives / programs
    • Organizational Change
    • Key Dependencies
    • Key Assumptions
    • Risks
  • Buidling the Approach and Schedule of Activities
    • Establishing Phases
    • Scoping Phase
    • Design Phase
    • Build Phase
    • Implement Phase
    • Operate Phase
    • Milestones / Owner/ Dates
  • Identifying Stakeholders, Team Structure, Roles & Resource
    • Stakeholder / Sponsors & Engagement
    • Critical Resource Requirements
    • Team Structure, roles, commitments
    • Other resources needed
  • Establishing the Project Office
    • Resources / Suppliers
    • Schedule
    • Costs / Budget
    • Change Control
    • Risks/ Risk Register
    • Team Workspace