The Project Manager's Partner, 2nd Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide to Project Management

Every day, at numerous workplaces, somebody in power asks-or tells-someone to assume control of a project. In some cases, the designee is an experienced project manager. In most cases, however, the assignment is given to someone who has little or no knowledge or experience in project management. Consequently, too many new project managers stumble, flounder, look foolish, and don't achieve desired project results. Give that neophyte some help! A partner to accompany the project manager step-by-step with guidance, advice, forms to use, and answers to the questions that are sure to bedevil you if you didn't have an expert by your side. The expert-the author-is a consultant and trainer in project management. His focus is to work specifically with people who do not manage projects as the principal element of their job, but who want-and need-to learn the techniques to do a great job. Your learning will begin with a short introduction about how to use the handbook. This section will build your comfort and help you see the all-important big picture. Part One explores deliverables, project phases, and life cycles. After a brief time in Part Two, looking at project management processes, you'll dig right into a treasure trove of action items that take you right through the steps. The action items tie right back into the knowledge gained in Part Two, so the flow is easy to grasp. Then come the appendices! Tips for Managing Experts Outside Your Expertise. Glossary of Project Management Terms. Shortcuts. And even guidelines for deciding when to kill a project. And this is only part of the picture. Excellent resource for managers and would-be managers in any field.

As the leader of the Project Management Office and the initiator of project management standards for a large metropolitan school district, I needed a reference to give my new project managers an introduction to the things I was asking them to do. I found this book to be an excellent reference for that purpose. Also using the associated training program, I have offered very effective training classes for many people throughout our school district.In adapting project management standards for our district, I also drew upon many of the princples outlined so effectively in this book. It makes project management easy to understand for people who have little or no exposure to the concepts.I also found that I, as a veteran of many years of project management, found many excellent refreshers and reminders for the best practices of how we should pursue project management.I would recommend this book to new and experienced project managers, alike.

I have used this book for 2 purposes. Along with the facilitator's guide, I've conducted introductory project management work sessions to introduce people to project management concepts, terminology and processes. Session evaluations from attendees have been overwhelmingly positive. We have also used many of the tools on the disk, some in exact format, some with revisions, to build tools for use in developing our project planning documentation. Also use the tools, worksheets and checklists for both work projects and personal projects at home. The book and the tools are very helpful to ensure projects get off in the right direction. The terms, concepts and exercises have been extremely well received by participants. Have so far had 75 particpants in six 2 to 3 day sessions.