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Customer Reviews
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Comprehensive overview of PMBOK and more  2007-11-11
For those looking for materials related to the exams, this would not be a typical exam-focused book - a better book for those wishing to simply 'boot camp' through the PMBOK would be McGary's Passing the PMP(R) Exam: How to Take It and Pass It.
In this book, the authors deliver a brief overview of project management frameworks before settling into a comprehensive account of PMBOK methodology, detailing the specific processes (including inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs) according to the orthogonal perspectives of phase and knowledge area. The authors topic knowledge is reflected in their abiltiy to fluently contrast areas of the PMBOK where it differs from generally accepted practices and other industry approaches (PRINCE2 as just one example). The book also offers a detailed appendix devoted to the critical chain method as an alternative technique for compressing the critical path of a project which I found very interesting.
One key strength is the book's pragmatic focus: the authors often highlight potential project risks that exist in nearly all projects while suggesting methods of mitigating those risks. The authors have an undeniable feel for the challenges of everyday project management, and set out to offer a guide for those wishing to get it done as well as get it right.
My only disappointment would be the authors' complaints regarding software development projects and vendors, as they fail to grasp (borrowing here from Kovitz's excellent Practical Software Requirements: A Manual of Content and Style) the very different nature of projects found on the exploratory end of the engineering spectrum (building something new) with the more static and predictable forms of orderly engineering (building a new something), but on balance the authors more than make up for this minor flaw.
Insightful!  2005-05-10
As businesses adapt to rapidly evolving markets, it's difficult to think of a more vital function than project management. The ability to drive multiple projects to completion is one of the hallmarks of leading corporations. If one aspect of contemporary business science deserves elevation to a higher seat in the academy, project management is it. Successful projects reflect extremely efficient and refined planning processes, and are no more a matter of serendipity than, say, 20 straight quarters of steadily increasing profits. This compilation of valuable insight and guidance provides a single reference source for project managers. The book asserts that it is directed at project managers early in their careers and is designed to enable them to operate competently in organizations where a project management structure and legacy already exist. However, it goes into sophisticated levels of detail and the authors assume that you can juggle your jargon and your organization's politics and policies. Well-illustrated, with reader-friendly charts and a detailed appendix about critical chain project management, it provides a fundamental, thorough, all-you-need-to-know compendium for completing projects. We strongly recommend it to any project manager. The newer you are, the more you need it.
Clear, well organized, compelling 2005-01-10
This is an excellent walkthrough and summary of project management principles. The book is organized into three major sections; an introduction, a project management process, and a specifications development strategy. The second section is excellent. The chapters are ordered in terms of workflow and the advice is clear and pragmatic. The third section is excellent as well.
I've never seen a project management book as focused and well organized as this one. An excellent book for managers looking to better manage their projects, or for engineers looking for books to give management that will move projects up from CMM level 0.
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