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Overview
In today's business world, project managers not only have to be diligent in project planning and execution, but also need to have skills in persuasion, communication, and relationship management. Reflecting the changing landscape of projects today, Essential Project Management Skills empowers project managers to master the skills necessary to succeed in the current environment.
Real case studies clarify concepts
Divided into four sections by chapter and enhanced with tables and diagrams, the book begins by introducing the concepts related to the changing project landscape and their impact on projects. It then delves into the details of several trends within the project landscape, describes the challenges created by these trends for project managers, and provides illuminating case studies that elucidate each trend and its impact. Next, the book outlines the skills required to be successful in this new environment and offers techniques that can be applied to fully master them. Each of these skills is aligned with a case study in which the skills and techniques are used and the outcomes discussed. Finally, the book ties together the evolution of the project landscape, the challenges posed, and the new skills required to manage projects successfully in today's environment. The book also provides a checklist of the skills and techniques in the context of different project scenarios.
Written by an expert in project management
Written by an expert with a career of hands-on experience in the project management field, this volume is invaluable for project managers who have a fundamental background in project management principles and want to augment their toolbox of skills and techniques around the delivery of projects in today's complicated business environment.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781439827161 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
| Publication date: | 05/19/2010 |
| Pages: | 224 |
| Product dimensions: | 6.40(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.70(d) |
About the Author
Kerry is a member of Mensa and has a unique perspective on project work, resulting in eight patents, published work in project management journals and books, and speaking engagements at more than twenty project management conferences and corporations around the world. He is a passionate speaker who has a reputation for delivering entertaining presentations combined with vivid examples from his experiences. He runs a project management blog called "Adventures in Project Management" at http://kerrywills.wordpress.com. He lives with his wife and two kids in Southington, Connecticut.
Table of Contents
Preface ix
Author xi
Chapter 1 Background 1
Chapter 2 Changing Project Landscape 7
2.1 Overview 7
2.1.1 Trend 1-Reduce Cost 7
2.1.2 Trend 2-Increased Complexity 8
2.1.3 Trend 3-Additional Rigor 9
2.1.4 Trend 4-Changing Workforce 9
2.2 Reduce Cost: Outsourcing 10
2.2.1 Additional Attention 12
2.2.2 Intangibles 12
2.3 Reduce Cost: Shared Services 17
2.3.1 Competing Priorities 19
2.3.2 Additional Steps 19
2.3.3 Resource Skills 20
2.3.4 Intangibles 20
2.4 Increased Complexity: More Technology Layers 24
2.4.1 Additional Planning 26
2.4.2 Different Skill Needs 26
2.5 Increased Complexity: Enterprise Focus 29
2.5.1 Standards and Fit 30
2.5.2 Broader Requirements 31
2.6 Increased Complexity: Third-Party Vendors 33
2.6.1 Planning 34
2.6.2 Loss of Some Control 35
2.7 Additional Rigor: Demand Management and Governance 36
2.7.1 Additional Planning 38
2.7.2 No Slack 38
2.7.3 Intangibles 39
2.8 Additional Rigor: Process and Tools 41
2.8.1 Additional Planning 43
2.8.2 Applicability 43
2.9 Changing Workforce: Specialized Resources 45
2.9.1 High-Demand Resources 46
2.9.2 Missing the Big Picture 47
2.10 Changing Workforce: Mobile Resources 48
2.10.1 Losing Key Resources Impacts Success 50 2 2.11 Summary of Impacts 52
Chapter 3 The New Project Management Skills 55
3.1 Overview 55
3.1.1 Additional Rigor 55
3.1.2 Consultative Approach 56
3.1.3 Managing Information 56
3.1.4 Leadership 57
3.2 Additional Rigor 57
3.2.1 Diligent Project Planning 58
3.2.2 Use a Standard Methodology for Delivery 73
3.2.3 Use Resources Intelligently 75
3.2.4 Diligent Project Management 83
3.2.5 Use Metrics Appropriately 93
3.2.6 Improve Competencies 97
3.3 Consultative Approach 102
3.3.1 Relationship Focus 106
3.3.2 Influencing 112
3.3.3 Self-Management 122
3.3.4 Political Savvy 130
3.4 Managing Information 134
3.4.1 Proper Communications Planning 136
3.4.2 Gathering Information: Visibility 140
3.4.3 Presenting and Sharing Information 147
3.5 Leading the Team 154
3.5.1 Motivating Team Members 155
3.5.2 Empower the Team 162
3.5.3 Be a Champion for the Team 169
3.5.4 Handling Conflicts and Difficult People 175
Chapter 4 Summary 181
4.1 Tying It All Together 181
4.1.1 Planning Is an Investment 182
4.1.2 Constant Diligence 184
4.1.3 Making Time for the Right Things 185
4.1.4 Recognizing That People Will Make the Project Successful 187
4.1.5 Be Conscious 188
4.1.6 Situational Adaptation 188
4.2 Summary of Techniques and Skills 190
References 195
Index 197