What role does a project charter play in project management?

A project charter is a critical document that officially authorizes the project to begin. It outlines the objectives, scope, and participants within the project, thus providing a clear framework for project management. By serving as a formal authorization, it signifies that the project has been approved and that resources can be allocated accordingly. This helps in ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned with the project's intent and that the project manager is empowered to mobilize the necessary resources to start the work.

While the project charter does play roles in communicating information (which relates to the choice involving communication with stakeholders) and can touch on risks, its primary purpose is to grant the authority to proceed with the project. This foundational role is essential in solidifying the legitimacy of the project before any work commences, differentiating it from other documents used for tracking performance or addressing risks throughout the project lifecycle.