10 Rules for Impossible Projects: Surprising - But True - Advice on How to Successfully Deliver Difficult and Complex Projects

by Marcin Dabrowski

Overview

This book is a collection of key principles that should be used to "deliver" difficult and unrealistic projects. These principles are independent of the chosen project management methodology - they remain complementary to them and help to successfully complete even those projects that seem unrealistic: in terms of time, scope, finances and other aspects.

These holistic rules cover broad aspects from management, negotiation, psychology and business. It’s full of real life examples of various international projects which were both successful or failed. The book shows that beyond certifications, methodologies, and manuals, project management professionals need to learn how to face crisis situations, changing scopes and toxic work environments and then successfully deliver a project.

What You Will Learn

Holistic view on project lifecycle from sales to delivery

What is really important for customers in IT projects

Key aspects of proactive attitudes needed for successful project delivery

Who This Book is For

Project Managers, Team Leaders, Unit Managers, IT managers, IT directors, CIOs

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798868814624
Publisher:	Apress
Publication date:	06/26/2025
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	136
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Marcin Dąbrowski managed and supervised large projects for the world's largest telecommunications groups and banks in various parts of the world; worked with clients representing extreme national and organizational cultures. Co-founder and CEO of People More. Previously, he served, among others, as vice-president of the management board of Comarch, as well as COO and vice-president of the management board of Ailleron, both publicly-listed companies. Author of the books “Eternal Delay” (Onepress), “Managing IT Projects” (Apress/Springer), many international scientific publications (including ACM CCS DIM 2008, IEEE ICCS 2008) and contributions to ITU-T. He is a graduate of AGH University of Science and Technology, majoring in electronics, telecommunications and computer science. He studied at Stanford Graduate School of Business and IESE Business School.

Table of Contents

Part I. Impossible projects.- Chapter 1. Introduction – how and why this book was written.- Chapter 2. What are impossible projects.- Chapter 3. How and why impossible projects are created.- Chapter 4. Can an impossible project be delivered?.- Part II. Methodologies and Certifications - BS.- Chapter 5. Certificate Factory.- Chapter 6. Helplessness of methodologies and certificates when faced with key problems of impossible projects.- Chapter 7. Practical knowledge - the missing link.- Part III. 10 Rules for delivering impossible projects.- Chapter 8. Rule 1 – Engage in contract negotiations.- Chapter 9. Rule 2 - Define what it means to "deliver" the project.- Chapter 10. Rule 3 – Be useful and show commitment.- Chapter 11. Rule 4 - Build relationships and the power of influence.- Chapter 12. Rule 5 – Focus on progress, be pragmatic.- Chapter 13. Rule 6 - Apply pressure and take advantage of your position.- Chapter 14. Rule 7 – Consciously manage the flow of information.- Chapter 15. Rule 8 – Take care of the financial health of the project.- Chapter 16. Rule 9 – Create and document your own history of the project.- Chapter 17. Rule 10 – Focus on the long-term customer relationship.- Chapter 18. Summary.