Free Tool · The Accidental Project Manager · Arnie Rose Felicilda, M.A.Ed
Free Workbook · Book 01
Project Charter & Scope Lock Workbook
Define scope, lock deliverables, and get stakeholder sign-off before a single task begins. Prevents the 27% budget overrun.
27%Budget Overrun Prevented
5 minTo Fill In
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Completion0%
1
Project Overview
Fill in before kickoff
The one question that changes everything: What does done look like — specifically — to each person who has a stake in it?
One sentence. What business outcome does this project deliver?
What happens if this project does NOT get done?
2
Scope Definition
What is IN and what is OUT
Every undocumented assumption becomes a scope creep opportunity. Defining what you are NOT building is as important as defining what you are.
List each specific deliverable. Be measurable. "Better UX" is not a deliverable. "Redesigned onboarding flow with 5 steps and automated welcome email" is.
Deliverable
Owner
Due Date
Status
What will NOT be done in this project? Name it clearly to prevent scope creep.
What are you assuming to be true? Unstated assumptions become risks.
3
Stakeholder Map
Who needs what
Every project has 6 perspectives. Managing all 6 reduces approval delays by 50%.
Project Sponsor (High Power)
Functional Manager (High Power)
Key Team Member
Key Team Member
End User / Customer
Risk / PMO Contact
4
Risk Log
Name them before they cost you
A risk named on Monday costs nothing. The same risk, unnamed, left until Thursday's status call, has already started burning.
Risk Description
Level
Mitigation Plan
Owner
5
Change Request Process
How scope changes are handled
Name one person only. If it takes a committee, changes never get approved — or they get approved without proper review.
What must happen before a change is approved? Keep it simple — 3 steps maximum.
6
Definition of Done
What does success look like?
This is the most important section. Every stakeholder must agree on what "done" means before work begins. Disagreement here is the #1 cause of project failure.
Specific, measurable outcomes. Not "better user experience." What numbers, percentages, or milestones define success?
What must be true for this project to be formally closed?
7
Stakeholder Sign-Off
Lock it before work begins
This signature is the scope lock. By signing, each stakeholder confirms they have read, understood, and agreed to the scope, deliverables, and change process above.
Signature
Signature
Signature
Signature
Scope is locked. Work can begin.
Print this document, collect physical signatures, and file it as your project baseline. Any changes to scope must go through the change request process above.