Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #260232 in Books
• Published on: 1998-10-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 112 pages

Synopsis
A practical, step-by-step guide to managing a project through to completion. It looks at the key stages and identifies the management techniques that can be applied. From objective setting to implementation, the book emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication.

Customer Reviews

Essential reading for any manager
In my work as a business analyst for a large financial services company, I was keen to get something bite-sized on project management as a reference in my work. I think that this book particularly clicked for me, as the author has also worked for a financial services company and a large project triggered the original idea for the book.

I have always been a fan of project management technique as a way of breaking down seemingly insurmountable tasks. After buying this book I've felt a lot happier in my work. The analysis techniques outlined helped me in achieving regular success in my projects.

Some of the books on well known project management methodologies (e.g. PRINCE2) are far more comprehensive, but only those working full time in a project management would be able to justify the time required to read them. I was able to read this book from cover to cover in a half-hour train journey and, since then, it has never been far away from my desk.

All the major analysis techniques are covered (e.g. SMART objective setting) in a no-nonsense style. I've found the content is focussed very much around the people involved, rather than just the tasks required. This key point is often missing from more lengthy guides.

Essential reading for any manager, you'll need to guard this book with your life if you buy it, as my copy has been so popular with my colleagues, I often have trouble getting it back. A pithy read and very good value for money.

This pocketbook was my lifesaver
I have just largely finished lead managing a nine month project with many different facets and strands (not least the changing facts and environment as implementation progressed). I have never lead managed a project of such compexity or duration before and of all the books I bought to help me this was the lifesaver.

The reasons for this are:

1. It is a small pocketbook which you can easily carry around in your pocket or briefcase and refer to when travelling etc in revisiting tips and techniques at the different stages of progress in a project.

2. Its conciseness is its key virtue - you are getting in a few quickly assimilated pages all the known wisdom and experience on a specific area.

3. It is not just a "do it this way" book but a road map of "have you thought about this" signposts.

4. It proved most helpful on the "softer" areas especially culture change and team dynamics where I am sure most projects fail however well budgeted and resourced.

One of the best investments I ever made - I cannot recommend it highly enough as a starting point for project leaders, even those who think they have seen it all.

Good "at a glance" reference
This book is a great source of reference when you need quick answers on small scale projects, or a simple sense check.
It is also good for those who are new to projects and at a loss as to where to start.
Anybody with project experience, or indeed anybody with a degree of forethought will find this book to be too limited in focus.
Nevertheless a bargain buy for those times when you "just need to check"