CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005)Project Life Cycle PhasesEasy
A project manager is initiating a new product development project. The project team needs to understand the high-level goals, stakeholder expectations, and overall project direction. Which of the following documents defines the project's purpose, objectives, and success criteria at a high level, without detailing specific tasks or resource assignments?
- AScope Statement
- BWork Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- CProject Charter
- DProject Management Plan
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Project Charter
The Project Charter is a formal document that officially authorizes a project or a phase and documents initial requirements that satisfy the stakeholder's needs and expectations. It defines the project's purpose, objectives, high-level scope, and success criteria, typically issued by the project sponsor.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Scope Statement defines what is and is not included in the project, but it is a more detailed document than the initial high-level authorization.
- B. The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work, detailing specific deliverables, which is too granular for the initial high-level direction.
- D. The Project Management Plan is a comprehensive document detailing how the project will be executed, monitored, controlled, and closed, much more detailed than what's described.
Project Charter
A formal document that authorizes a project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities.
- Issued by the project sponsor.
- Defines high-level objectives, scope, and success criteria.
- Officially initiates the project.
Memory trick: The Charter is the 'go' signal, high-level and clear.