What is the primary purpose of a project charter?

The primary purpose of a project charter is to authorize the project and provide a high-level overview. A project charter serves as an essential document that formally initiates the project, outlining its objectives, scope, stakeholders, and overall goals. It is crucial because it gives the project manager the authority to allocate resources and engage stakeholders, thus establishing a shared understanding of what the project aims to achieve.

This document is typically developed early in the project lifecycle and acts as a guiding framework throughout the project. It doesn’t go into detail about specific tasks or budgets; instead, it captures a strategic vision that helps ensure that everyone involved is aligned. By providing this overview, the project charter sets the tone for project planning and execution and serves as a reference point for decision-making throughout the project.