0.10 An example of a project charter

Rice University is planning to create a store to sell computer supplies.

The Project Charter will be reviewed by the project team and approved. The final approval will be the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.

The objective of this project is to implement a campus store that is ready to sell computer supplies such as memory sticks, mouse pads, cables, etc. when class starts in August 2010, with enough inventory to last through the first two weeks of classes.

The scope of the Rice’s school supplies store project includes the activities listed below:

• Determine what supplies will be sold in the store
• Establish competitive prices for the computer supplies
• Source and secure supply vendors
• Establish marketing, procurement, operations and any other necessary departments, schools, centers and institutes.

The scope of the project does not include:

• Development of any other school store departments
• Store design or construction

• All vendors selected
• Contracts or orders complete with all vendors
• Supplies delivered to the store
• Pricing determined

• Procurement of supplies
• Establishment of operations, procurement, marketing and other teams
• Store supplies stocked and displayed
• Store staffing completed, including work schedules
• Establishment of store operations policies, including hours of operation

• Only computer supplies will be sold in the store.
• Supplies customers will be the Rice University student body and faculty
• Rice University students will manage the project and be responsible for ongoing operations.
• A store sponsor from the University faculty or staff will be assigned to mentor students and to provide oversight.
• Store hours of operation will be approved by the Rice University students or store sponsor.
• Supply deliveries will be arranged or the store sponsor will pick them up with students.
• Students will be empowered to contact vendors for order placement and inquiries via telephone.

• Student availability to meet for project planning is limited to school hours.
• The Rice University Student Association will be responsible for the creation and operation of the store.
• Software is not available for project planning and control.

The goal of this project is to provide income for the Rice Student Center while supplying necessary items to students and faculty at competitive prices. The school store will be a convenience to students since necessary supplies will be available on campus. This will help students to learn to manage their personal supplies.

The procurement team will assemble a proposal based on expected costs for review by the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.