According to PMI project management standards, who is primarily responsible for creating and authorizing the project charter?

Introduction / Context:
In the Project Management Institute (PMI) framework, the project charter is a foundational document. It formally authorizes the existence of a project and grants the project manager authority to apply organizational resources. Understanding who creates and authorizes this document is a frequent topic in PMP and related certification exams, because it clarifies responsibilities at the initiation stage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question references PMI oriented project management practices.
• The project charter is the document that officially starts the project.
• The options include the project sponsor, a broad stakeholder group, the customer alone, and no specific role.
• We assume a typical environment where there is a performing organization and a project sponsor role.

Concept / Approach:
According to PMI, the project sponsor is the person or group that provides resources and support for the project and is accountable for its success. The sponsor, or an entity with appropriate authority, issues the project charter. While the project manager may help draft it, the formal authorization typically comes from the sponsor. The customer may provide requirements and influence the charter, but the performing organization needs a sponsor to approve and sign it. Therefore, the answer focuses on the sponsor, not generic stakeholders or team members.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of the project sponsor in PMI terminology as the person who authorizes the project and commits resources. Step 2: Remember that the project charter is the formal document by which the project is initiated and the project manager gains authority. Step 3: Connect these ideas: the person who authorizes and funds the project is the natural owner of the charter. Step 4: Compare this understanding with the answer choices and select project sponsor as the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
PMBOK based descriptions clearly indicate that the sponsor or someone external to the project, such as an initiator or senior manager, issues the project charter. The project manager is often appointed as a result of the charter and does not yet have authority before it is signed. This role based logic confirms that the sponsor is the primary creator and authorizer of the charter from the organizational perspective.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, the stakeholder group as a whole, is incorrect because stakeholders may provide input but do not collectively sign or authorize the charter. Option C, the customer alone, is incomplete because while the customer may request or influence the project, the performing organization still requires an internal sponsor to commit resources formally. Option D is clearly wrong; not just any team member can authorize the charter, as that would undermine governance and authority structures.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is thinking that the project manager creates and signs the charter. In reality, the project manager may draft it, but authority must come from the sponsor or a similar executive role. Another pitfall is assuming the external customer is always the author; this is not always the case, especially for internal projects. Recognizing the sponsor as the key figure at initiation helps align with PMI best practices.

Final Answer:
The project charter is primarily created and authorized by the project sponsor.