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Contents at a Glance
Learn why having work-life balance is vital to project managers who seek long and prosperous careers, and discover the importance of learning project management basics.
Learn why its worthwhile to gain a rudimentary understanding of project management before enrolling in a tech-savvy program or course of study bolstered by software and prevailing project management terminology.
Learn what a project is, essential skills for project managers, and what it takes to be a good project manager.
Learn the traits of successful project managers, the reasons that project managers succeed, and the reasons that they fail.
Learn the importance of fully understanding the project, what kinds of projects lend themselves to project management, and why its vital to start with the end in mind.
Learn the guiding principle of project managers, all about plotting your course, initiating a work breakdown structure, and the difference between action and results (deliverables).
Learn how to further refine your work breakdown structure (WBS), whether your labor should be part of the WBS, the importance of reintegrating project staff as the project winds down, and distinctions between the WBS and other planning tools.
Learn effective approaches to budgeting, how to combine top-down and bottom-up budgeting techniques, how optimism stands in the way of controlling expenses, and the importance of building in slack.
Learn what a Gantt chart is, why its valuable in project management, how Gantt charts keep your project on schedule, and variations that you can devise.
Learn why projects become increasingly complex, the basics of the critical path method (CPM), and how to use the critical path method to conserve resources.
Learn the kinds of software that are available, the capabilities of software, which software functions are crucial, and guidelines for selection.
Learn which software programs are popular, what vendors have to say about their own programs, and the importance of taking your time when acquiring software.
Learn about potential difficulties in reporting your results, how to effectively use communication tools and techniques, the value of giving credit to your team, and the importance of assuming any blame alone.
Learn how to keep your wits on multiple projects, help your bosses not to overload you, handle multiple reporting structures, and be assertive when overload seems unavoidable.
Learn why a thorough initial research phase can pay off handsomely for your project, the difference between squeaking by and excelling, and why open and easy communication is critical to your projects success.
Learn how to maintain perspective in your role as project manager, the enduring value of mastering project management software, why it pays to keep your eyes and ears open, and how to be ready for whats next.
Preface
S uppose youre a rising star at work and the boss has given you your first assignment to head up a project. Depending on the nature of the project and what kind of work you do, you might have to engage in a variety of tasks that you havent tackled before, such as assembling a team to complete the project on time and on budget, mapping out a plan and monitoring your progress at key steps along the way, using appropriate planning tools such as project management software or wall charts, and keeping your team motivated and on target.
Perhaps you have managed projects before, but not recently. Or, you have been given a new kind of project with which youre not familiar, and you want to ensure that you handle the job correctly. If so, youve come to the right place. Everyday Project Management provides you with the essence of what you need to know, in terms of successful project management.
Each chapter can be read and absorbed in about 20 minutes. The book covers vital aspects of project management, including plotting your path, drawing on age-old as well as current supporting tools, assembling a winning team, expending your resources wisely, monitoring your progress, adjusting course when needed, and learning from your experience so you will be even better at managing projects in the future.
If youre like many professionals today, you are busy! Your time is precious. When youre handed a challenging assignment and need some direction, you need it in a hurry. And that is what Everyday Project Management offers you: guidance in the form of a quick reference tooldivided into 16 crucial aspects of project managementthat cover the basics. Youll be able to complete a chapter each morning if you choose, before everyone else arrives at work. Also, key glossary terms are provided, along with a list of further reading. So, with this handy guide, youre not more than a few pages away from homing in on the information you require.