What is the purpose of a project charter?

The purpose of a project charter is to clarify project objectives and organize team roles. A project charter serves as a foundational document that outlines the vision, goals, and purpose of the project. It is crucial for aligning the team's understanding and expectations regarding what the project aims to achieve. This document typically includes key information such as project scope, stakeholders, objectives, and initial roles of team members.

By defining clear objectives, the project charter helps set the direction for the project and ensures that all team members are on the same page. Additionally, it organizes team roles by specifying who is responsible for various tasks, thereby enhancing communication and coordination among team members. This organization helps prevent confusion about responsibilities and aids in the effective execution of the project.

While other options touch upon important aspects of project management, they do not encompass the primary role of a project charter. For instance, identifying risks and mitigation strategies, maintaining communication with stakeholders, or defining only the budget are all crucial components of managing a project but are typically addressed in other project management documents rather than the project charter itself.