Offers a collection of essays on philosophies and strategies for defining, leading, and managing projects. This book explains to technical and non-technical readers alike what it takes to get through a large software or web development project. It does not cite specific methods, but focuses on philosophy and strategy.

In this book, project management expert Dr. Alexander Laufer leads an all-star team of practitioners and thought leaders in presenting a powerful project leadership framework. Laufer’s framework addresses the toughest challenges of new product development: large, complex projects composed of many diverse, geographically distributed, and highly interdependent components; organizational change; and repeated and risky tasks. Laufer reveals core leadership principles that are crucial to successful project leadership in dynamic and complex environments, regardless of industry, project goals, or stakeholders. Then, together with his contributors, he presents eight chapter-length case studies covering exceptionally challenging projects in a wide spectrum of industries and products – from developing missiles to reorganizing companies, building spacecraft and dairy plants to flying solar-powered airplanes. Readers will discover new ways to unleash the power of autonomy and learning; adapt to change on a timely basis; “give up” control without “losing” control; use face-to-face interaction to maximize alignment; manage “no fun” missions in hostile environments; deliver on bold ideas through sheer preparation; learn from practice – and unlearn lessons that need to be unlearned. Mastering the Leadership Role in Project Management will be invaluable to executives, project leaders, and aspiring project leaders in all organizations – regardless of their project goals, backgrounds, or experience.

This second edition of the Strategic Project Leader prepares project managers to develop leadership competencies that translate into increased confidence to lead in a demanding environment. Like the first edition, this book motivates readers to take ownership of their leadership agenda and become disciplined in the processes of building a framework of leadership skills. This in turn will move readers beyond the basics of project management to true project leadership, positioning themselves for greater leadership opportunities.

Tens of thousands of readers rely on James Lewis's classic Project Planning, Scheduling & Control for hands-on help in bringing projects in on time and on budget. Now, this higher-level guide takes project managers beyond basic skills. Using the flexible and down-to-earth approach for which Lewis is famed, it covers advanced topics such as identifying customer requirements using QFD (quality function deployment); allocating resources for improved scheduling applying systems thinking; and using decision-support tools in project management.

Learn powerful communications and stakeholder management techniques that dramatically improve your ability to deliver projects successfully! Unlike other project guides, which address these issues only in passing, Mastering Project Human Resource Management offers practical, real-world guidance, in-the-trenches insights, and proven applications. You'll learn how to: Identify stakeholders and initiate communications Plan for effective HR, communications, and stakeholder management Build, develop, and manage project teams capable of powerfully effective communication and stakeholder engagement Monitor, control, and optimize the effectiveness of your communication and engagement This book is part of a new series of six cutting-edge project management guides for both working practitioners and students. Like all books in this series, it offers deep practical insight into the successful design, management, and control of complex modern projects. Using real case studies and proven applications, expert authors show how multiple functions and disciplines can and must be integrated to achieve a successful outcome. Individually, these books focus on realistic, actionable solutions, not theory. Together, they provide comprehensive guidance for working project managers at all levels, as well as indispensable knowledge for anyone pursuing PMI/PMBOK certification or other accreditation in the field.

This is a collection of essays from key researchers in the field of project management who describe what they feel are the most impactful findings from research. In the challenging and competitive world of project management, project managers need all the insight they can get. Leading researchers share what they believe are the most important findings from the research being done today. These cover pressing topics confronting project managers, including hybrid methodologies, schedule overruns, schedule estimation, project efficiency, and managing local stakeholders. Highlights include the following: Jeff Pinto and Kate Davis explore the “Normalization of Deviance” (NoD) phenomenon within various organizational settings, focusing on projects. NoD involves the gradual acceptance of deviant practices, diverging from established norms, and often leading to detrimental outcomes. Francesco Di Maddaloni investigates how local communities’ stakeholders are perceived, identified, and categorized by project managers in major public infrastructure and construction projects (MPIC). His chapter helps project managers to have a better understanding of a more inclusive and holistic approach to engage with a broader range of stakeholders. Lavagnon Ika, Peter Love, and Jeff Pinto suggest that error and bias combine to exact a toll on major projects, offer theoretical insights, and outline practical recommendations for project managers. Jonas Söderlund offers managerial guidelines for leveraging deadlines as powerful tools for generating project success. Pedro M. Serrado looks at empirical studies that link planning quality to project success, emphasizing its importance. He also discusses the downsides of excessive planning, particularly in dynamic environments and research and development projects.

In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, mastering project management is paramount to achieving success. This book will meet the demand for a comprehensive resource that supports practical application and facilitates exam readiness. Tailored for current and aspiring project managers across various industries and disciplines, it equips readers with transferable skills applicable worldwide. Embracing a holistic approach, the book delves into essential technical and managerial processes, fostering proficiency in management and leadership skills. Moreover, it serves as a valuable guide for navigating challenging certification exams like the PMP. The content is presented concisely, minimizing the need for frequent glossary references, and includes practical tips for addressing complex questions. Designed to facilitate efficient study, the book utilizes concise table formats and promotes SMART learning techniques. Grounded in the PMBOK Guide and enriched with Agile principles, it offers a comprehensive yet succinct exploration of crucial topics. May this book serve as a trusted companion on your journey to professional excellence–empowering you to achieve your goals with clarity, agility, and unwavering determination.