Project Management Institute

 January 11, 2011 Chapter Meeting 

Presenter:  Dave L. Davis

Having upper management approve a program charter is not as easy as it sounds.

In theory, a Program Charter should exist and be approved by upper management prior to assigning a Program Manager to a program. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case. Sponsors are often senior executives with little desire to write a document. Expecting them to write and deliver a complete Program charter may be impossible for even a Program-oriented organization. This session will explore a Charter at both a Program and Project Level and its purpose.

Using the Charter

The charter is your authorization to initiate work. Use it frequently and ensure it is under change control. You should send a copy of the charter to any organization that you are seeking commitment from to authorize your request.

The Charter is an Input to the Program Plan

Make sure your stakeholders and other organizations you communicate with are aware of how the charter fits into the overall initiative and that this is the input to the Program Plan and the Benefits Realization Plan.

The Charter is an Agreement to Deliver

The charter represents a commitment between an organization and the program sponsor to deliver on a set of tangible work. The charter is an internal document obtaining that commitment, but can also be used externally to ensure all the organizations in the program understand their commitments.

Bio
David Davis is a self-proclaimed practitioner of WOW!  A proven dynamic, creative, and enthusiastic leader, Dave has strong business acumen with a wide range of experience in Project Management, Program Management, Business Analysis, Business process management, and change management, Dave has the unique ability to share his experience in a light hearted effective style that educates and motivates.  He has shared his message in many web publications and presentations throughout Europe and North America.

Dave’s ability to motivate, coordinate and oversee cross-process teams working with limited resources and tight timeframes is second to none.  He excels at quickly understanding customer needs and the benefits realization of his work.  Perhaps most importantly, Dave is an outstanding coach. He takes a sincere interest in his team members and helps develop the skills needed to achieve their professional goals. Dave’s enthusiastic guidance on motivating and leading people produces WOW! Results for all Project Stakeholders.

Many of you know or know of the presenter Dave Davis. He is the Manager of the PMI* Project Management Community of Practice and is also an IIL instructor. He is a global leader in the world of project and program management.  He has enough credentials that all the associated acronyms would make a full bowl of vegetable soup.  While Dave has the formal certification, it’s more important that he has the practical experience to help organizations realize the benefits of this knowledge.  Few people can combine business intelligence with strong leadership and a sense for using structured Program Management to further a company's strategy like he can. He stays on top of emerging technologies and its associated social impact, and knows what can benefit an organization.

Taking a cue from Will Rogers, Dave has never met a man, or woman, he didn’t learn from.