A project charter is a project planning document that sells the project to stakeholders and sponsors. It provides a preliminary delineation of roles and responsibilities, outlines the project's key goals, identifies the main stakeholders, and defines the authority of the project manager. A project charter is essential for any project, regardless of its size or complexity, as it serves the following purposes:
* It authorizes the project and grants the project manager the permission to use organizational resources
* It serves as a primary sales document that summarizes the project's value proposition and return on investment
* It acts as a roadmap that guides the project team and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
* It helps to manage the project scope and avoid scope creep by establishing the project boundaries and deliverables
* It facilitates communication and alignment among the project team, sponsors, and stakeholders by clarifying the project objectives, assumptions, risks, and constraints Therefore, the project manager should explain to the sponsor that a project charter is necessary to ensure agreement on scope and deliverables and to define the project manager's responsibilities. Without a project charter, the project may face the following risks:
* Lack of clarity and direction for the project team and stakeholders
* Misalignment of expectations and goals among the project team, sponsors, and stakeholders
* Scope creep and change requests that may impact the project schedule, budget, and quality
* Conflicts and disputes over roles, responsibilities, and authority
* Reduced stakeholder engagement and support References:
* What is a Project Charter? Complete Guide & Examples
* How to Write a Project Charter: Examples & Template Included
* Project charter - Wikipedia