Project Charter Example with a Sample Template

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Before we present our project charter example, we are happy to announce that we have partnered with Master of Project Academy to bring you a real Project Charter Template you can download. They offer 50 Project Management Templates, and one of them is a Project Charter Template.

Project Charter Example – Step by Step

Follow this step-by-step project charter template to maximize your use of project charters for your team.

1. Overview of the Project

Provide a simple but precise statement of the project.

Example 1: Rice University is planning to create a store to sell computer supplies.

2. Purpose of the Project Charter

This Project Charter outlines the purpose, objectives, and scope of the project. The purpose of a Project Charter is:

  • to provide an understanding of the project, the reason it is being conducted and its justification
  • to establish early on in the project the general scope
  • to establish the project manager and his or her authority level

A note of who will review and approve the Project Charter needs to be included.

Example 2: The Project Charter will be reviewed and approved by the project team. The final approval will be the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.

3. Project Objective

The objective of the project should “clearly stated ” and contain a “measure ” of how to assess whether they have been achieved. It should be realistic and include objectives. It should follow the SMART protocol:

  • Specific (get into the details)
  • Measurable (use quantitative language so that you know when you are finished)
  • Acceptable (to stakeholders)
  • Realistic (given project constraints)
  • Time based (deadlines, not durations)

Example 3: The objective of this project is to implement a campus store that is ready to sell computer supplies such as memory sticks, mouse pads, cables, etc. when class starts in August 2012 with enough inventory to last through the first two weeks of classes.

4. Scope

The scope of the project should be listed.

Example 4: The scope of the Rice’s school supplies store project includes the activities listed below:

  • Determine what supplies will be sold in the store
  • Establish competitive prices for the computer supplies
  • Source and secure supply vendors
  • Establish marketing, procurement, operations, and any other necessary departments, schools, centers, and institutes.

It is equally important to include in the scope what is not included in the project.

Example 5: The scope of the project does not include:

  • Development of any other school store departments
  • Store design or construction

5. Major Milestones

A list should be included of the milestones that are needed.

Example 6:

  • All vendors selected
  • Contracts or orders complete with all vendors
  • Supplies delivered to the store
  • Pricing determined

6. Major Deliverables

A list of the major deliverables that will result from the project are described.

Example 7:

  • Procurement of supplies
  • Establishment of operations, procurement, marketing, and other teams
  • Store supplies stocked and displayed
  • Store staffing completed, including work schedules
  • Establishment of store operations policies, including hours of operation

7. Assumptions

The assumptions in creating the project are to be outlined.

Example 8:

  • Only computer supplies will be sold in the store.
  • Supplies customers will be the Rice University student body and faculty
  • Rice University students will manage the project and be responsible for ongoing operations.
  • A store sponsor from the University faculty or staff will be assigned to mentor students and provide oversight.
  • Store hours of operation will be approved by the Rice University students or store sponsor.
  • Supply deliveries will be arranged, or the store sponsor will pick them up with students.
  • Students will be empowered to contact vendors for order placement and inquiries via telephone.

8. Constraints

It is important to define any and all constraints on the project or those working on the project.

Example 9:

  • Student availability to meet for project planning is limited to school hours.
  • The Rice University Student Association will be responsible for the creation and operation of the store.
  • Software is not available for project planning and control.

Business Need or Opportunity

Provide a concise statement of the business need or opportunity that led to the creation of the project.

Example 10: The goal of this project is to provide income for the Rice Student Center while supplying necessary items to students and faculty at competitive prices. The school store will be a convenience to students since necessary supplies will be available on campus. This will help students learn to manage their personal supplies.

Preliminary Cost for the Project

A statement is to be provided indicating how the cost of the project will be defined and controlled.

Example 11: The procurement team will assemble a proposal based on expected costs for review by the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.

Project Charter Acceptance

The names, titles, and signature lines of the individuals who will sign-off on the Project Charter is provided. Merrie Barron is a project management teacher at Rice university. Andrew R. Barron created the first educational programs at Rice to span the Schools of Science, Engineering and Management, and is a co-director of the Rice Alliance for Entrepreneurship. He is also actively involved with educational programs in collaboration with the Rice section of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Check out this post for more information on project charters.

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