The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management (Fast Forward MBA S.) - Softcover

Auszug. © Genehmigter Nachdruck. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

Preface

This book is intended to present a realistic look at the challenges of the project environment and the skills you will need to successfully bring a project to fulfillment. On the way, you will learn the tools necessary to achieve each of the five essential success factors. Part 1 lays the groundwork. In addition to simple terminology, it contains global concepts that tie project management to other disciplines, such as quality and product development. Part 1 also includes examples of the organizational changes companies are making to take advantage of project-oriented work.

Parts 2, 3, and 4 present the tools and techniquesthe real science-of project management. Since this is a how-to book, the techniques in these chapters are described in detail. These techniques start with simple examples, then progress to tips for managing larger projects. In these sections, you will learn the major responsibilities of a project manager, what the definition of a project is, and the best ways to plan and control projects. Part 2 deals specifically with setting the goals and constraints of the project. Part 3, "Planning the Project," offers the most effective techniques for managing budgets, monitoring a project's scope, and keeping on schedule. Many of these techniques are features of popular project management software. After reading this section, you will know how to make better use of this software.

Part 4 offers methods for controlling a project and keeping it on track. This section focuses on the many tools used to keep a project on track and bring it to successful completion, regardless of whether everything goes as planned. Together, these three sections provide the tool set every project manager needs.

Finally, Part 5 describes how the tools presented in this book can be used by organizations and by project managers. We look at the ways in which project management techniques are being adopted by a growing number of organizations. And, finally, we look at the kind of problem situations that project managers are likely to face-and how to deal with them, using the tools presented in this book.