Principles of Project Management

This book used to be on PMI's recommended reading list for PMP preparation (I am not sure if it still is). The book does not use any complicated terminology and is written using an easy to read writing style. But the concepts will be easier to understand when you become an experienced project manager. If you read it at the beginning of your career, I recommend that you keep this in mind and not be disappointed. Just hold on to the copy and you will appreciate it later when you have more overall knowledge of project management.The book is literally a compilation of 8 of the best papers on project management ever published. Hence the papers can be read independently. If you are a student at some University, you should be able to trace the individual papers to their source in your University library and print them at a much lower cost than the price of this book. The price was the only disappointment for me and since I am not a student, I couldn't do what I suggested above.The eight different topics addressed by these papers in the book are - 1. Conflict Management2. Contract Administration3. Negotiating4. Time and Stress Management5. Team Building6. PM Roles and Responsibilities7. Organizational Development Approach8. Organizing for Project ManagementBased on my own personal background, I found the first five topics noted above the most interesting and the topic on Time and Stress Management the most useful. A lot of people I have talked to have not really found the time to read this book before taking the PMP but I would recommend reading it thoroughly once you have passed the PMP. I am finding that this book provides a very useful way to consolidate one's PM knowledge. PMI publishes 'Project Management Journal' and 'PM Network' on a regular basis that are also absolutely essential for any project manager. I have actually kept these publications from years back and they are one of the most prized possessions of my PM library. Enjoy reading these papers and the above mentioned publications!

Excellent reference if you are getting ready for the PMP exam. Use it to study for the HR material, the Communications material and the Contract and procurement material.I use it in my PMP classes at Oak Associates, Inc. www.oakinc.com