Project Charter. A Tool To Build Client Trust.
Updated: Mar 25, 2021
Developing a trusting client and consultant relationship, is a cornerstone element of every consulting engagement. To establish a trusting relationship, project consultants have several tools at their disposal. One of these strategic tools is the project charter.
WHAT IS A PROJECT CHARTER?
A project charter is developed in the planning stage of a new project. It creates a reference tool for the project team, sponsor(s) and stakeholder(s) throughout the lifecycle of the project.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PROJECT CHARTER?
Properly established, a project charter links the projects strategic objectives to that of the organization. It also allows for a MorFokused approach to establishing efficient communication, defined roles and responsibilities and mutual commitments to achieving project milestones and outcomes.
WHAT DOES A PROJECT CHARTER CONTAIN?
A project charter contains important information which is agreed upon at the onset of a project. While project charter vary from one source to another, common project charter information includes:
· Project purpose
· Measurable deliverables and related success criteria
· High-level requirements
· High-level project description, scope and key deliverables
· Project risks
· Summary milestone schedule
· Pre-approved financial resources
· Key stakeholder list
· Project approval requirements
· Project exit criteria
· Assigned project manager, responsibility, and authority level
· Name and authority of the sponsor or other person(s) authorizing the project charter
(Source: A Guide to The Project Management Body of Knowledge PMBOK GUIDE 6th edition)
HOW TO DEVELOP A PROJECT CHARTER?
A project charter is most often created by the project manager (in our case the consultant) and then validated by the project sponsor (in our case the client). Various project charter tools are widely available and maybe sourced publicly.
At MorFokus, we listen to our clients and brainstorm how we may assist them gain fokus. Project chartering utilizes a collaborative and open discussions approach which is an organized collation of the diverse project ideas, opinions, thoughts and perspectives.
WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A PROJECT CHARTER?
When developing your project charter, consider the following:
Executive Summary
Develop this last and after you have collated all other various sections information. Your executive summary should summarize the entire project and can serve as a great and concise briefing tool narrative.
Project Definition & Purpose
Defines the current state, problem, vision, goals and success criteria.
Roles and Responsibilities
Defines the reporting structure, sign offs and responsibilities of project resources, and links team members to their responsible for deliverables.
Level of Authority
Details what a project manager can decide without approval from project sponsor. Details the commitment made by the sponsor to removing project barriers.
Scope
Defines what the project includes and won’t include. Establishing clear project boundaries limits scope creep and keeps the project on schedule and budget.
Project Plan
Provides a visual of the approach, anticipated key milestones with defined timelines, sequence of events and applicable dependencies.
Deliverables
Lists the intended deliverables. Deliverables should be concise specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound objectives.
Budget
Illustrates a high-level estimation of costs.
Risks and Considerations
Identifies risk factors that may impede project success. These should be categorized as high, medium or low and include risk mitigation strategies.
Important to Remember
While you may not know all there is to know about project charters, our MorFokus Consultants have extensive experience in collaborating and developing this tool to effectively and efficiently lead your project to success.
Email admin@morfokus.com to start your project journey!
Sources:
A Guide To The Project Management Body of Knowledge
PMBOK GUIDE 6th edition
https://www.fool.com/the-blueprint/project-charter/
https://hbr.org/2016/11/the-four-phases-of-project-management
https://www.projectmanager.com/templates/project-charter-template
