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Project Management & Agile · Foundational

Project Charter

A document issued by the sponsor that formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager authority to apply resources.

Definition

The charter documents high-level purpose, measurable objectives, success criteria, high-level requirements, risks, milestones, budget summary, key stakeholders, and the named project manager. It is the output of Develop Project Charter.

Example

The CIO signs a charter naming Dana as PM with authority to spend up to $500,000.

Exam tip

Without a charter the PM lacks formal authority; the sponsor, not the PM, issues it.

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