Abbott Project Management Playbook

3 P ROJECT C HARTER

DEFINITION: What is a project charter? A project charter is a condensed project overview that acts as a preliminary outline of the project’s scope and objectives. It formally authorizes the existence of a project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply resources to the project. The project charter can also serve as a formal written and signed agreement between stakeholders.

Elements/Process/Details

The below sections provide detail of the many elements that make up a Project Charter.

3.1 P URPOSE / G OAL S TATEMENT The Purpose, or Goal Statement, of a project should:

• Explain the business needs • Clarify the product of the project • Tell how the project aligns with the organization’s strategic plan

3.2 P ROJECT D ESCRIPTION The project description should:

• Provide a high-level overview of the project and what it will achieve • Align the project team on the purpose of the project • Briefly capture business rationale and key deliverables

Example:

The GES project team will deliver a new facility for AN, capable of manufacturing 80MM cans of Ensure per year, supporting the expansion of the Nutrition business in India. The facility has been designed and is being constructed to facilitate 100% future expansion without disruption to the ongoing operations. It will be completed on schedule in Jan ’19 with registration and first lots to stock expected in March ’19.

The project is predicted to be completed at the agreed budget cost of $89MM.

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