Project Management For Business Professionals

No longer restricted to the engineering industry, project management has at long last crossed over to mainstream business. Project Management for Business Professionals is the definitive reference on the essentials of contemporary project management. Featured here are some of the foremost practitioners and researchers from academia, consulting, and private industry, sharing their various areas of project management expertise and providing a wide range of perspectives on everything from risk management to resource planning to ethics management. Focusing on both the technical and human sides of the field, this unique resource follows the main points of the "project management body of knowledge"-the certification standard of the Project Management Institute. The experts address the procedures and processes for planning and managing projects and explore project team/group dynamics, examining the interpersonal relations and the political and organizational considerations that can impact a project.

Selling and delivering a project to a satisfied client, and making a profit, is a complex task. Project manager and author Robin Hornby believes this has been neglected by current standards and is poorly understood by professionals in the field. Commercial Project Management aims to rectify this deficiency. As a unique ‘how-to’ guide for project and business managers, it offers practical guidance, and a wealth of explanatory illustrations, useful techniques, proven checklists, real life examples, and case stories. It will give project managers a needed confidence boost and a head start in their demanding role as they go ‘on contract’. At the heart of Robin’s approach is a vendor sales and delivery lifecycle that provides a framework for business control of projects. Unique elements include the integration of buyer and vendor project lifecycles, the recasting of project management as a cyclic set of functions to lead the work of the project, and the elevation of risk assessment from a project toolkit to a fundamental control process. Beyond project management, the book proposes a comprehensive template for the firm whose business is delivering projects. This is a how-to book for project and business managers working in a commercial environment looking for practical guidance on conducting their projects and organizing their firm.

Project management leadership is today's #1 business skill. Talented, knowledgeable project managers command the best assignments and compensation: they are the future leaders of business. But expert project managers aren't born that way: they've learned specific, proven techniques and strategies for achieving outstanding results. In Project Management, Richard Murch shares those techniques and strategies. Whether you're managing your first project, or you're an experienced project manager facing tough, new challenges, Project Management offers expert solutions. Start by mastering the fundamentals of project management, including planning, reporting, team building, and team leadership. Understand the entire project lifecycle: planning, analysis, design, construction, testing, rollout, and beyond. Learn practical ways to respond to incessant changes in market conditions, resources, requirements and schedules; and learn how to manage risks and problems more effectively. Master today's latest rapid software development methodologies and techniques; and discover how to handle the unique challenges of IT and knowledge management projects. Finally, leverage the latest Internet and intranet-based project management tools and resources.

In today's time-pressured, cost-conscious global business environment, tight project deadlines and stringent expectations are the norm. Project Management For Dummies shows business professionals what works and what doesn't by examining the field's best practices. You can learn how to organise, estimate, and schedule projects more efficiently. Discover how to manage deliverables, issue changes, assess risks, maintain communications, and live up to expectations by making the most of the latest technology and software and by avoiding common problems that can trip up even the best project managers. This adaptation includes: The latest methods to manage resources and stay on track and within budget Coverage for dealing with the pros and cons of virtual teams Tips and information on setting realistic expectations and meeting everyone’s needs Methods and strategies to get tasks done with minimal staff Tips and advice for motivating a project team The latest concepts and fundamentals behind best-practice project management techniques The mindset and skill set of today’s most effective project managers—what it really takes to guarantee a successful project Information on how to involve project audiences by conducting a Stakeholder Analysis Trends and tough project types Assessment tools to determine strengths and weaknesses for everything from choosing software to selecting a project team Tactics for team motivation and the hottest risk management strategies

Project management can help companies become more efficient and profitable. But as a seasoned project management consultant, educator, and writer, author Joseph Phillips teaches that the how of successful project management looks different for every business. Grounded in years of his real-world experience, Project Management for Small Business introduces readers to the core principles and techniques of project management adapted and simplified to be most effective for smaller enterprises. With repeatable practices for planning, executing, and controlling projects in an environment where one team member may be wearing multiple hats, this practical how-to helps you avoid the potentially devastating effects of wasted time and materials. Among many other useful skills, you’ll learn how to define project requirements and scope; create a project schedule based on resource availability; estimate and budget for project costs, identify and minimize project risks; manage workflow; communicate effectively; and control project change. Classic project management models often prove too cumbersome for smaller businesses with limited staff resources, tight budgets, and next to no time to devote to learning a complex new system. Project Management for Small Business skips the complicated theory and goes straight to the heart of what it really takes to make a project--and your business--a success.

Superior program management begins with superior information and strategy Program Management for Improved Business Results, Second Edition is a practical guide to real-world program management, written to align with the rigorous PMI® PgMP® certification standards. The book explains the benchmarks and best practices that help shape a superior program manager, and provides case studies that illustrate the real-world application of management concepts. Written by a team composed of both industry professionals and academics, the book strikes a balance between theory and practice that facilitates understanding and better prepares candidates for the PgMP. Managers at all levels will learn the insights and techniques that are shaping modern management expectations. The Project Management Institute and the Product Development and Management Association both agree that program management is a critical element in the successful integration of business strategy and project management. The certification process is difficult, and few complete it – but demand for competent professionals is high. Program Management for Improved Business Results addresses this disconnect, preparing readers to fill the gaps and help businesses achieve the level of program management integration required by professional organizations. Topics include: Aligning programs with business strategy Program planning, execution, and processes Management metrics and strategic and operational tools Roles, responsibilities, and core competencies The book focuses on both the macro and the micro levels, explaining the successful integration of business strategy with project portfolios as well as the managing of a single program. Case studies present both issue-oriented and comprehensive perspectives, and guidance includes real, actionable steps. For professionals seeking improved program outcomes, Program Management for Improved Business Results is a roadmap to exceptional management skills. (PMI and PgMP are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.)

Project management—it’s not just about following a template or using a tool, but rather developing personal skills and intuition to find a method that works for everyone. Whether you’re a designer or a manager, Project Management for Humans will help you estimate and plan tasks, scout and address issues before they become problems, and communicate with and hold people accountable.

The fast and easy way to perfect your project management skills Whatever your profession, effective project management skills are crucial to developing a successful business career. In Project Management Essentials For Dummies, you'll find all the information and guidance you need to plan your projects with confidence and deliver them on time. This comprehensive resource will help you unlock the keys to project management success, gain the know-how to assess your strengths and weaknesses to maximise your project management potential, find proven ways to motivate your project team, and so much more. In today's challenging business environment, professionals are increasingly working within tight timeframes and constricted budgets, and striving to deliver projects under a range of high-pressure scenarios. Thankfully, Project Management Essentials For Dummies shows you how to put out the fires igniting your workspace and explains how easy it is to organise, estimate and schedule projects more efficiently. In no time, you'll be managing deliverables, assessing risks, maintaining communications, making the most of your resources and utilising time-saving technologies like a project management ninja! Understand how to develop your plans around a sturdy structure — from start to finish Discover how to select the right people and get the very best from your team Recognise ways to take control and steer your projects to success Get up to speed on mastering the basics of project management If you're a business professional looking to take your project management skills to new heights — but don't want to get bogged down with forehead-scratching jargon and complex methodologies — Project Management Essentials For Dummies has everything you need to get up and running fast.