Which document provides the formal authorization to start a project and assigns authority to the project manager?

• A. Statement of Work
• B. Work Breakdown Structure
• C. Risk Management Plan
• D. Project Charter

Answer: (D)

The project charter is the document that formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities. It usually comes from the project sponsor and includes the project’s purpose, high-level objectives, key requirements, major milestones, and a summary budget. Most importantly, it names the project manager and defines their authority level, establishing who can approve work and allocate resources. This formal authorization marks the official start of the project and sets the boundaries within which the project team operates. The other documents describe work to be done (Statement of Work), organize deliverables (Work Breakdown Structure), or outline risk handling (Risk Management Plan), but they do not grant overall project authorization or authority to lead.