Project Management Basics

Learn step-by-step instructions for managing any project in a clean sequence of five classic phases—initiating, planning, executing, releasing, and closing. This book sets out clearly and engagingly which tasks need to be done and when, how, and why they need to be done. Each chapter on one of the five phases walks you through all the steps in that phase’s workflow, which are laid out in a checklist attached to the chapter. The checklists are graphically supplemented by flow charts and swim lane diagrams. The master checklist serves as a map and tool for project managers to use in the real world to run projects and keep them on track. Senior project manager and PM mentor Melanie McBride understands the predicament of beginning and junior project managers: "You're at the edge of a tornado, bombarded by overly excited people offering you a Mission Impossible. Everywhere you look there are cool shiny things swirling around your head—the earnest coworker telling you to go agile, the software package promising a turnkey collaboration solution, the PMO with an arm-long list of required processes. So how do you avoid getting whacked in the head by that airborne Mac truck of a customer commit? Oh, and what exactly do you need to do to get those flying monkeys to shut up?" Project Management Basics slips the spinning project manager into the eye of the storm where things are quiet and it’s easy to figure out what to do next using the author’s detailed checklists and hard-headed advice. She shows that project management doesn’t have to be "a chaotic hot mess, leaving you with an egg-beater hairdo." With McBride’s book and checklists in hand, even first-time project managers can pull off controlled, flying-monkey–free projects. What You Will Learn See the essential duties of a project manager Master the project management life cycle in five phases Discover the what, when, how, and why of PM tasks presented in detailed steps Leverage checklists for optimum efficiency and throughput Adapt workflow controls to low-PM organizations Enhance PM with vogue methodologies without obscuring the basics Who This Book Is For Beginning and junior project managers seeking a concise, authoritative guide to the basics of project management, together with checklists, flow charts, and swim lane diagrams for immediate use in real-world projects.

The core task of the classic architect, in addition to architectural design and planning work, is management of the construction project: from planning operations and tendering, to scheduling and cost planning and construction management. These important practical tasks are usually only covered during studies by one subject: Construction Management or Construction Economics, and thus treated as less significant. But every architect must master these abilities in order to manage and realize his or her own projects successfully.

Project Management Basics Explained outlines the role and responsibilities of a project manager, as well as considering the qualities, characteristics and skills that make a project manager great. By the end, you should have a new respect for the role and a good understanding of the fundamental skills and principles that will guide you on your way. Whether you have just been handed your first project, you are a recent graduate looking to break into the field project management, you are considering a career change, or you are a seasoned experienced professional – reviewing project management basics can be hugely beneficial.

Updated concepts and tools to set up project plans, schedule work, monitor progress-and consistently achieve desired project results.In today's time-based and cost-conscious global business environment, tight project deadlines and stringent expectations are the norm. This classic book provides businesspeople with an excellent introduction to project management, supplying sound, basic information (along with updated tools and techniques) to understand and master the complexities and nuances of project management. Clear and down-to-earth, this step-by-step guide explains how to effectively spearhead every stage of a project-from developing the goals and objectives to managing the project team-and make project management work in any company. This updated second edition includes: * New material on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) * Do's and don'ts of implementing scheduling software* Coverage of the PMP certification offered by the Project Management Institute* Updated information on developing problem statements and mission statements* Techniques for implementing today's project management technologies in any organization-in any industry.

Build on the Right Fundamentals for Project Management Success! To achieve success in any endeavor, you need to understand the fundamental aspects of that endeavor. To achieve success in project management, you should start with Project Management Fundamentals: Key Concepts and Methodology, Second Edition. This completely revised edition offers new project managers a solid foundation in the basics of the discipline. Using a step-by-step approach and conventional project management (PM) terminology, Project Management Fundamentals is a commonsense guide that focuses on how essential PM methods, tools, and techniques can be put into practice immediately. New material in this second edition includes: • A thorough discussion of agile project management and its use in real-life situations • Detailed explanations of the unique factors involved in managing service projects • An enhanced appendix on management maturity models • A new appendix on project communications and social networking • Expanded coverage of the triple constraints in PM, going beyond scope, schedule, and cost to include quality, resources, and risks As a refresher for the experienced project manager or as a comprehensive introductory guide for the new practitioner, Project Management Fundamentals: Key Concepts and Methodology, Second Edition, is the go-to resource that delivers.

This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. Succeed as a project manager, even if you’ve never run a project before! This book is the fastest way to master every project management task, from upfront budgeting and scheduling through execution, managing teams through closing projects, and learning from experience. Updated with more insights from the front lines, including agile approaches, dealing with security and privacy priorities, and leading remote/virtual teams, along with the latest on Microsoft Project and PMI standards and certifications and a special bonus chapter on preparing for the PMP certification. This book will show you exactly how to get the job done, one incredibly clear and easy step at a time. Project management has never, ever been this simple! Who knew how simple project management could be? This is today’s best beginner’s guide to modern project management... simple, practical instructions for succeeding with every task you’ll need to perform! Here’s a small sample of what you’ll learn: • Master the key skills and qualities every project manager needs • Lead projects, don’t just “manage” them • Avoid 15 most common mistakes new project managers make • Learn from troubled, successful, and “recovered” projects • Set the stage for success by effectively defining your project • Build a usable project plan and an accurate work breakdown structure (WBS) • Create budgets and schedules that help you manage risk • Use powerful control and reporting techniques, including earned value management • Smoothly manage project changes, issues, risks, deliverables, and quality • Manage project communications and stakeholder expectations • Organize and lead high-performance project teams • Manage cross-functional, cross-cultural, and virtual projects • Work successfully with vendors and Project Management Offices • Make the most of Microsoft Project and new web-based alternatives • Get started with agile and “critical chain” project management • Gain key insights that will accelerate your learning curve • Know how to respond to real-life situations, not just what they teach you in school

This book provides you with the tools required to approach and manage projects. These effective skills will impact positively on the success of both the projects you are involved with and of your organization. Key features * A practical handbook for both career project managers and those involved intermittently with projects throughout their career * Provides simple step-by-step tools for understanding and managing each of the project value-add stages: - Developing a business case - Robust planning - Staying in control - Delivering benefits * Focused on the needs of engineering and other technical project managers, but generic enough to support projects in other areas * Brief and visually led, the Toolkit is designed to get you up and running fast and to increase the certainty of a positive project outcome from day one * Comprehensive real world case studies demonstrate the use of tools Project Management Toolkit introduces the whole project life-cycle. It is the first of four project management titles that separately build skills in critical PM areas and together provide a powerful project management resource. Focused on the needs of engineering and other technical project managers, this book recognises that most non-routine work completed by an organization is a project A practical, hands-on guide to aid those tasked with real industry projects – not a lengthy theoretical textbook, it gets to the point and delivers REAL benefits The book is suitable for both career project managers and those involved with projects intermittently

Program management (PgM) is fast developing as the essential link between strategy and projects and as a vehicle for organizational change. It offers the means to manage groups of projects with a common business purpose in an integrated and effective way. The Second Edition of Michel Thiry’s Program Management builds on the bestselling title first published in 2010. The heavily revised text reflects the latest program management guides and international standards and includes: a new section on agile management in programs; the author’s own program management maturity measure; a new section on change management, which is now integral to many programs. Michel has also reviewed and revised the program lifecycle to align with the more unified view of program management that has emerged since the book was first published. The result is an essential guide to program management that incorporates a robust theoretical framework, complemented by examples and advice from one of the world’s leading practitioners. .