TDWI Project Charter Framework
Project Charter Introduction The introduction of a project charter should provide a one- or two-page overview of the project with these elements:
  • Project Name: A business-oriented name. Also include the project number or other tracking information used in your environment.
  • Project Purpose: A few sentences describing the sponsor’s business goals for this project.
  • Project Sponsor(s): Identify the sponsor(s) of the project by name and title.
  • Project Manager: Identify the manager of the project by name and title.
Background A brief (one page or less) historical summary of how and why the project was formed.
Project Scope Specifically itemize, in business terms, what the project will and will not address. Document planned results with respect to :
  • Organizational units involved or affected.
  • Sites or locations involved or affected.
  • Business processes impacted by the project.
  • Business information areas and subjects to be included
  • Operational systems and databases involved.
  • External data sources involved.
Budget and Schedule Summary Include an overview of budget estimates and time allocations for the project. Illustrate the schedule in timebox format, showing only as much detail as can be shown. Clearly state the schedule will be detailed as the project progresses.
Constraints and Resources Itemize any project management constraints that have been identified for the project. These may include:
  • Stakeholders: Individuals inside or outside the project scope who have a major interest in its success or failure.
  • Required Participants: Individuals whose input and participation is essential to the success of the project.
  • Funding Limits: Specific limits on the acceptable cost range of the project.
  • Time Limits: Specific limits on the acceptable delivery date for the project.
  • Critical Success Factors: Any items that are essential for successful execution of the project.

Also itemize the set of resources that are required to complete the project. The resource set includes, but is not limited to:

  • Participants
  • Facilities
  • Equipment
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • Administrative Support

Taken from Data Warehousing Fundamentals: A Roadmap to Success, Parts I & II Copyright 1998 by The Data Warehouse Institute.