As I discussed previously, I want to bring the readers of PM Tips as many useful…or at least semi-useful…project related documents, samples and templates as possible. This is a place for new and experienced project managers to gather and share ideas, so I’m sharing. If any of you have samples that you’d like to share – send them to me and I’ll summarize and post them on here.I have to admit, I’ve not had much occasion to create a project charter document. Eric Verzuh’s book “The Portable MBA in Project Management” describes the project charter document in this way.
“A project charter announces that a new project has begun. The purpose of the charter is to demonstrate management support for the project and the project manager. It is a simple, powerful tool, but it is not necessarily complex. As an announcement, it can take the form of a memo, a letter, or an e-mail. It contains the name and purpose of the project, the project manager’s name, and a statement of support from the issuer. The charter is sent to everyone who may be associated with the project, reaching as wide an audience as practical because its intent is to give notice of the new project and the new project manager.”
A few years ago I created several templates that I’d like to share with you here over several upcoming articles, including this Project Charter document. They are merely a basis to get started – I’ve modified them all when I use them in order to fit the specific project or needs of the customer, but they at least provide a starting point. Again, if you have templates or samples you’d like to share here, let me know and I’ll do my best to get them posted for our readers.
PROJECT CHARTER
[Save file name as: client name PROJECT CHARTER yyyymmdd]
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Client Name:
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Title:
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Project:
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Date:
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Project #:
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Version:
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Template 1.1 / Document 1.0
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Provide a brief description of the situation that has initiated the project.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have agreed to the Project Charter on the date or dates indicated below.
CLIENT APPROVAL
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VENDOR APPROVAL
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