Provide a simple but precise statement of the project.
Rice University is planning to create a store to sell computer supplies.
This Project Charter outlines the purpose, objectives, and scope of the project. The purpose of a Project Charter is:
to provide an understanding of the project, the reason it is being conducted and its justification
to establish early on in the project the general scope
to establish the project manager and his or her authority level
A note of who will review and approve the Project Charter needs to be included.
The Project Charter will be reviewed by the project team and approved. The final approval will be the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
The objective of the project should “clearly stated” and contain a “measure” of how to assess whether they have been achieved. It should be realistic, and include the objectives. It should follow the SMART protocol:
Specific (get into the details)
Measurable (use quantitative language so that you know when you are finished)
Acceptable (to stakeholders)
Realistic (given project constraints)
Time based (deadlines, not durations)
The objective of this project is to implement a campus store that is ready to sell computer supplies such as memory sticks, mouse pads, cables, etc. when class starts in August 2010, with enough inventory to last through the first two weeks of classes.
The scope of the project should be listed.
The scope of the Rice’s school supplies store project includes the activities listed below:
Determine what supplies will be sold in the store
Establish competitive prices for the computer supplies
Source and secure supply vendors
Establish marketing, procurement, operations and any other necessary departments, schools, centers and institutes.
It is equally important to include in the scope what is not included in the project.
The scope of the project does not include:
Development of any other school store departments
Store design or construction
A list of the milestones that are needed.
All vendors selected
Contracts or orders complete with all vendors
Supplies delivered to the store
Pricing determined
A list of the major deliverables that will result from the project are described.
Procurement of supplies
Establishment of operations, procurement, marketing and other teams
Store supplies stocked and displayed
Store staffing completed, including work schedules
Establishment of store operations policies, including hours of operation
The assumptions in creating the project are to be outlined.
Only computer supplies will be sold in the store.
Supplies customers will be the Rice University student body and faculty
Rice University students will manage the project and be responsible for ongoing operations.
A store sponsor from the University faculty or staff will be assigned to mentor students and to provide oversight.
Store hours of operation will be approved by the Rice University students or store sponsor.
Supply deliveries will be arranged or the store sponsor will pick them up with students.
Students will be empowered to contact vendors for order placement and inquiries via telephone.
It is important to define any and all constraints on the project or those working on the project
Student availability to meet for project planning is limited to school hours.
The Rice University Student Association will be responsible for the creation and operation of the store.
Software is not available for project planning and control.
Provide a concise statement of the business need or opportunity that led to the creation of the project.
The goal of this project is to provide income for the Rice Student Center while supplying necessary items to students and faculty at competitive prices. The school store will be a convenience to students since necessary supplies will be available on campus. This will help students to learn to manage their personal supplies.
A statement is to be provided indicating how the cost of the project will be defined and controlled.
The procurement team will assemble a proposal based on expected costs for review by the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
The names, titles, and signature lines of the individuals who will sign-off on the Project Charter is provided.
