What is the main purpose of a project charter?

The primary purpose of a project charter is to formally authorize the project and clearly outline its objectives. This document acts as the foundation for the project, providing a shared understanding among stakeholders about what the project aims to achieve and establishing the authority for the project manager to proceed. It serves as a reference point throughout the project’s life cycle, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.

The project charter typically includes key elements such as the project vision, goals, objectives, high-level requirements, identified risks, and the roles of stakeholders. This helps create a baseline against which progress can be measured and decisions can be made. By formally authorizing the project, the charter plays a vital role in securing necessary resources and support from stakeholders, which is essential for project success.