The initiation of a project requires a formal document that authorizes its commencement and outlines its objectives, scope, stakeholders, and overall framework. This document is known as theProject Charter.

As detailed in the CWDP-305 Official Study and Reference Guide, the Project Charter serves several critical functions:

Authorization: It formally authorizes the existence of the project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities.

High-Level Overview: The charter outlines the project's purpose, objectives, and high-level requirements, offering a clear understanding of what the project aims to achieve.

Stakeholder Identification: It identifies key stakeholders and their roles, ensuring that everyone involved understands their responsibilities and the project's governance structure.

Other documents listed, such as the Budget, Bill of Materials, and Work Breakdown Structure, are essential components developed during the planning phase but are not the initiating document.