Which document serves as the official authorization for a project?

• A. Project Charter
• B. Statement of Work
• C. Work Breakdown Structure
• D. Closing Report

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that formal approval to start a project comes from the project charter. This document officially authorizes the project and gives the project manager the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities. It typically includes the project’s purpose, high-level objectives, high-level requirements, major milestones, rough budget, key risks, and a list of stakeholders. Because it is signed off by the sponsor or governance body, it acts as the go-ahead to move from concept into planning and execution.

The other documents don’t serve as that official authorization. A Statement of Work outlines what work will be performed and the agreements with a customer or sponsor, but it doesn’t by itself authorize the project. A Work Breakdown Structure is a planning tool that decomposes deliverables into components for scheduling and cost estimation, not for granting authority. A Closing Report is produced at the end to document results and lessons learned, not to authorize starting the project.