Project Charter Template (Page 2 of 7) in pdf

Charter Template when preparing a charter. The level of detail should be scaled as appropriate for the

size and complexity of the project. For example, Category C projects may have a one sentence

discussion of a topic, or identify it as “not applicable”. This consistent approach ensures that each

important topic is considered and assessed, and helps assure that a quality charter is prepared.

Amending the Charter - As the project progresses, the charter remains in effect and establishes the plan

and limitations for the work. In the event that project conditions vary from those defined in the

approved charter, the IA should amend the approved charter in accordance with their change

management procedures as defined in their Project Management Manual. When the project baseline is

approved at the end of Phase 2, the project charter is either updated to reflect the baseline plan, or can

be replaced by the approved Baseline Project Plan depending on the specific IA procedures.

2 – Selected Project Management Processes to Use in Preparing a Charter

The attached Project Charter template includes an overview of selected charter development processes

that have particular application in meeting King County’s charter requirements. The applicability and

use in meeting King County charter requirements is described within the relevant section of the

templates.

3 – Charter Terminology

This section provides an overview of charter terminology as it pertains to King County capital projects.

These terminologies are generically applied to a project that involves all phases of a capital project,

including construction.

 PMBOK: The document A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, published by

the Project Management Institute. This document provides a guide to the project management

body of knowledge that is generally recognized as good practice, and is generally incorporated

into King County project management practices. The document is regularly updated; check the

PMI website for the latest version.

 Project Charter: The IA document that approves the initial project scope, schedule, and budget

and authorizes work to commence on the project.

 Work Breakdown Structure: WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to

be carried out by the project team to accomplish the project objective and creates the required

deliverables.

 Project Sponsor – The person or group that provides the financial resources, in cash or in kind,

for the project (PMBOK)

 Stakeholder - Person or organization that is actively involved in the project, or whose interests

may be positively or negatively affected by the execution or completion of the project. A

stakeholder may also exert influence over the project and its deliverables.

 Project Baseline: The IA document that approves the baseline scope, schedule, and budget at the

conclusion of the preliminary design phase and authorizes the project to proceed into Phase 3 –

Final Design: Project baseline is used as a basis for variance reporting and performance

measurement for the entire project.

4 – List of Resources to Aid in Preparing Project Schedules

These resources are suggested for IA project managers:

 King County Administrative Policy CON 7-9-2, Capital Project and Contract Planning and

Management (King County, May 15, 2009).

Project Charter Template Page 2