Should the project Charter be completed before developing a project schedule in the Define Phase?

The project Charter is a foundational document in Six Sigma projects that outlines the objectives, scope, resources, and overall direction of the project. It serves to align stakeholders and provide clear guidance on the project's goals and constraints.

Completing the project Charter after developing a project schedule indicates a misunderstanding of the strategic flow in project management. The Charter must be established first, as it contains critical details necessary to inform the scheduling process. This document helps ensure that the project schedule is developed based on well-defined objectives and parameters, maintaining consistency and relevance throughout the lifecycle of the project.

In the Define Phase, the project Charter acts as a blueprint that not only justifies the need for the project but also guides subsequent steps, including scheduling. Thus, prioritizing the project Charter before developing the project schedule is critical to ensuring that the project is set up for success from the outset.