The phrase develop project charter refers to a specific project management process that involves the development of a project charter that formally authorizes the initiation of a project and marks the kickoff for all subsequent planning activities to begin. The development of a project charter can be something that is done by the project team as a whole, or it can also be done by the project leader by himself (or herself) and then when complete brought to the project team for review or signoff. The development of the project charter can also be conducted by two other distinct parties. The development of the project charter in some cases can be conducted by the buyer, or the financially responsible party. In this case, the customer already has an elemental plan in place which he will formalize in developing the project charter and will provide to the project team. In more cases than this however, the customer will solicit a group to conduct a project, an executive management team will develop the project charter and, once approved, it will be provided to the project team.
This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK.