Definition:The product description documents the characteristics of the product or service that the project was undertaken to create.
The product description will generally have less detail in early phases and more detail in later ones as the product characteristics are progressively elaborated.
The product description should also document the relationship between the product or service being created and the business need or other stimulus that gave rise to the project.
While the form and substance of the product description will vary, it should always be detailed enough to support later project planning. Many projects involve one organization (the seller) doing work under contract to another (the buyer).
In such circumstances, the initial product description is usually provided by the buyer.
Alternative or Related Terms: None
Acceptance Level: Generally accepted Application Areas/Intended Uses: The product description is an input into the project initiation process, together with the strategic plan and other information.
Chief Advantages: The product description supports the creation of the project charter and the assignment of a manager to the project.
Additional Reading :
Product Descriptions: The Heart of Quality Control (and Change Management) Jay M. Siegelaub. PMI 1999 Seminars & Symposium Proceedings, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania USA |
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Definition: A project charter is a document that formally authorizes a project. It should include, either directly or by reference to other documents:
• The business need that the project was undertaken to address
• The product description.
The project charter should be issued by a manager external to the project, and at a level appropriate to apply organizational resources to project activities. When a project is performed under contract, the signed contract will generally serve as the project charter for the seller. Alternative or Related Terms: Charter
Acceptance Level: Generally accepted
Application Areas/Intended Uses: A key practice in Project Scope Management that documents the authorization and initiation of a project. Used in any project where authority for allocation of resources might become an issue.
Chief Advantages: Provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities. Additional Reading :
Developing a Team Charter. [Executive Notebook] Joan Knutson. PM Network August 1997 15–16.
Evaluation and Application of a Project Charter Template to Improve the Project Planning Process. Project Management Journal March 2000, 14-23. Chartering IT Projects. Karen Tate, PMP, Karen Hendrix. PMI 1999
Seminars & Symposium Proceedings, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania USA . The Project Team Charter. Joan Knutson. PMI 1998 Seminars & Symposium Proceedings, Long Beach , California USA . |
