Develop Project Charter

 

Summary of the "Develop Project Charter" Process

1. Definition:

   • The Develop Project Charter process creates the Project Charter, a document that formally authorizes the project or a project phase.
   • It outlines high-level objectives, assigns the project manager, and grants the authority to use organizational resources.

2. Purpose:

   • To authorize the project or phase.
   • To define high-level objectives, scope, risks, and deliverables.
   • To provide the project manager with formal authority.

3. Key Inputs:

   • Business Documents:
     • Business Case: Explains why the project should be initiated, detailing market demand, legal requirements, or customer requests.
     • Benefits Management Plan: Describes the expected benefits of the project and how they will be measured (e.g., increase revenue by 20%).
   • Agreements:
     • Contracts or service level agreements (SLAs) between internal or external parties initiating the project.
     • Example: A signed contract to renovate a kitchen becomes an input to the charter.
   • Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEF):
     • External or internal factors influencing the project (e.g., regulations, organizational culture).
   • Organizational Process Assets (OPA):
     • Templates, policies, and historical data used to create the charter.

4. Key Tools and Techniques:

   • Expert Judgment:
     • Consulting stakeholders or subject matter experts to define high-level objectives and risks.
   • Data Gathering:
     • Brainstorming and interviews to collect inputs for the charter.
   • Interpersonal and Team Skills:
     • Facilitation to ensure stakeholder alignment.
   • Meetings:
     • Collaborative discussions to finalize the charter.

5. Key Outputs:

   • Project Charter:
     • Authorizes the project.
     • Includes:
       • High-level scope, budget, schedule, and risks.
       • Project purpose and objectives.
       • Assigned project manager and their authority.
   • Assumption Log:
     • Records assumptions and constraints perceived to be true (e.g., "All machines meet hardware requirements for Windows 11").

6. Characteristics of the Project Charter:

   • High-Level Document:
     • Contains broad details, refined later during planning.
     • Example: "Paint the room" without specifying exact colors or materials.
   • Quickly Created:
     • Designed for approval, not detailed planning.
   • Organization-Specific:
     • Often follows templates provided by the organization’s PMO (Organizational Process Assets).

7. Importance:

   • Serves as the formal starting point of the project.
   • Ensures organizational alignment and resource authorization.
   • Sets high-level expectations for project outcomes.

8. Real-Life Applications:

   • Construction:
     • A charter to build a 20-story building includes the overall budget, timeline, and assigned project manager.
   • Software Development:
     • Initiating a project to develop an accounting application with a high-level budget and expected completion date.
   • Event Planning:
     • Authorizing an event with details like purpose, location, and assigned coordinator.

9. Highlighted Points:

   • Essential Document:
     • The charter is critical as it formally authorizes the project and assigns the project manager.
   • High-Level Details:
     • Focus on broad objectives, risks, and scope without delving into specifics.
   • Dynamic Assumption Log:
     • Continuously updated as assumptions are validated or disproven during the project.

Key Takeaway:

The Develop Project Charter process is the foundation of any project. It formalizes the project’s existence, establishes high-level objectives, and empowers the project manager to lead the initiative. "Authorize confidently, plan effectively, deliver successfully."