Project Management Framework
Initiation - Acceptance
Definition
Acceptance is the unanimous approval by key stakeholders of the final charter document. The best documentation of this approval is the stake-holders signatures on the document itself. The minutes of a meeting where stakeholders give their approval, also can provide documentation.
Why is this important?
The charter is an agreement between the various parties as well as an explanatory or descriptive document. It prevents or reduces confusion and conflict once execution is underway. Signatures on the charter document also mark it as the final version, completing the charter process, and functioning as a milestone.
Instructions regarding acceptance of the charter document and list key stakeholder names and titles with a space for their signatures at the end of the charter document. Including this as part of the charter notifies the stakeholders of the level of responsibility they will be expected to assume and that they will be expected to sign the document. Once verbal agreement has been reached on the charter contents and the final draft is completed, procure signatures.
How to scale
For large projects consider limiting acceptance to only significant project sponsorship and major project role players.
Related Link:
Acceptance Examples
Checklists