What type of document is a project charter considered?

A project charter is classified as a formal authorization document because it serves as an official record that outlines the objectives, scope, and key stakeholders of a project, granting the project manager the authority to begin work on the project. It lays the groundwork for the project by defining its purpose and serves as a reference throughout the project lifecycle. By establishing the project’s goals and direction, the charter helps to align stakeholders and manage expectations.

The project charter is crucial in the initiation phase of project management, ensuring that all parties involved understand the project's objectives and agree on the primary outcomes. While other types of documents, such as financial reports, risk assessments, and stakeholder engagement plans, play significant roles in the overall project management process, they do not fit the formal authorization role that the project charter fulfills.