Information in a project charter

A project charter should contain enough high-level information for management to authorise the project and for the project manager to start planning. The following information is usually included.

Information to include

1. Project title and identification: name, number, date.
2. Project purpose / justification (business case): the business need, problem or opportunity and the expected benefits.
3. Project objectives: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound (SMART).
4. Project manager and authority: name, responsibility, authority level (e.g. spending limit, staffing rights).
5. Project sponsor and key stakeholders: names and roles.
6. High-level requirements and description of the product or service.
7. Scope and major deliverables: what is included and excluded.
8. Summary milestones and schedule: start date, key milestones and end date.
9. Summary budget: estimated total cost and funding source.
10. Success criteria: how the project will be judged, e.g. approval by customer, benefits achieved.
11. Assumptions and constraints: assumed conditions and limits on time, cost, resources, technology.
12. High-level risks.
13. Approval requirements: who signs off, what is needed for completion.
14. Signatures of sponsor and manager.

Example (Library Management System)

The information must be brief and clear and agree with the SOW and business case. Details are added later in the scope statement and project management plan.