The project charter is the first document that is created when starting a project. The project charter is created during the initiating phase of a project. The initiating phase of the project documents the initial requirements for the project that satisfy the stakeholder’s needs and expectations. The project charter is usually written to sell the project and emphasizes the need for the project. Once approved, the project charter will formally authorize either the project or a phase of the project to begin.

This course describes how to create the project charter by reviewing the project statement of work (SOW) and the business case. Examples of these documents will be provided during this course. This course will conclude by showing a detailed example of the project charter.