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Download project charter template in Microsoft Word format.
Create a Dynamic Project Charter Using a Project Charter Template
Have you recently been chosen as the manager of an upcoming project at work? Would it be helpful to have a project charter template—a document to consult when developing a charter that authorizes and defines the various aspects of the project? A project charter is a vital document in the planning process, but in order for it to be effective it should be written in a certain order and format. To help you accomplish this, in the following article we will briefly define the function of a project charter, followed by a list of items and topics that should always be included in a project charter template.
What Is a Project Charter?
A project charter is a comprehensive document that authorizes a specific project to move forward. When written correctly it will define the project and provide details on how the members will approach it. It also presents a list of all stakeholders, including the project sponsor, project manager and team members, and defines their individual roles.
Developing a project charter is an essential step, a critical component of the project management initiation and planning phases. Moreover, it is a document that you, as the project manager, along with your team members, will refer to regularly throughout the lifecycle of the project.
The Required Elements of a Project Charter Template
If this is the first time you have developed a project charter, you may want to consider referring to a project charter template—a template written by an experienced project manager. However, before you decide on just any template to assist you, keep in mind that an effective charter will usually address each of the following elements:
• The Need. Most projects within a company are initiated to meet a specific need—a need in the company, societal need, etc.—and this need will be the starting point of your project charter.
• Project Definition. In the “project definition” section you must provide a full description of your project and its purpose. Ideally, the purpose of your project will be a brief statement that details how the project will meet the need you identified in the previous section.
• Project Scope. The project scope describes the costs and scheduling involved with the project, along with all the resources that will be needed for each phase.
• Project Process. The process is the “meat” of the project charter template. Here you will discuss how you plan to coordinate assignments, schedule project members and track costs and progress.
• Project Communication. This section will specify how stakeholders will communicate with each other, including formal meetings of major stakeholders, and informal communication among team members—methods such as phone, email and video conferencing.
• Project Members. Finally, in this section you will present the names of all team members and management, usually in a hierarchal structure which lists the project sponsor and project manager on top, followed by individual team members and a definition of each of their roles.
As a project manager, a detailed and comprehensive project charter can be of significant benefit for a successful project. Therefore, take some time in developing this document, and if necessary, consult a project charter template, one with each of the above items included, to assist you.