HBR Guide to Project Management (HBR Guide Series)

Glossary

Charter. A concise written description of the project’s intended work. The charter may contain the name of the sponsor, the project’s benefits to the organization, a description of the objectives, the expected time frame, and a budget.

Critical Path Method. A planning technique used for complex projects that consist of several activities. Any activities that need to be completed before others can move forward are considered “critical”—in other words, necessary for the on-time success of the project. The total duration of the project is defined by the critical path.

Gantt chart. A bar chart showing when project tasks should begin and when they should end.

Launch. A special meeting or event that marks a project’s official beginning.