The views expressed in these introductory reviews are strictly those of Max Wideman.
The contents of the books under review are the copyright property of the respective authors.
Published here August 2013.

Introduction
Book 1 - Enterprise Project Governance
Introduction | Table of Contents | General Observations and Recommendations
Book 2 - Improving Your Project Management Skills
Introduction | Table of Contents | General Observations and Recommendations
Book 3 - Project Sustainability
Introduction | Table of Contents | General Observations and Recommendations

Book 2 - Improving Your Project Management Skills, Second Edition by Larry Richman, 2012

Introduction

This book is based on the American Management Association's popular seminar: Improving Your Project Management Skills. This second edition has been updated for consistency with PMI's A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) Guide. In general it reflects the latest standards and provides current project management practices and examples. As such it follows the natural and logical sequence of managing a project from Initiating to Closing.

Thus the book guides the reader step-by-step through the processes encountered in the life of a project, beginning with defining the project scope and requirements. It explains how to create a work breakdown structure (WBS) and diagram the activities into a logical sequence using simple network diagrams. It then describes techniques for estimating work on these activities, including trade-offs in time, cost, and resource allocation. The reader may then learn how to compile their schedules, budgets, and resource plans into a comprehensive project plan.[17]

According to the Larry Richman's Introduction:[18]

"Chapters [of the book] will teach you how to monitor and control project activities using your project plan as a baseline. In addition to hard project management skills, you will learn the people skills needed to lead and direct project teams to get the job done. The book also includes chapters on identifying and managing risk and how to properly close the project and document lessons learned."

Larry is also quick to point out that:[19]

"Some projects are ambitious and far-reaching in their social, economic, and political impacts. Others are less grand and more self-contained. Some require advances in basic science, and others deploy proven technology or best practices. Some projects challenge deeply held beliefs, and others uphold traditional values. And some projects fail. [Nevertheless,] The goal is always to achieve some beneficial change."

Although not specifically mentioned, it is evident that the target audience is those who have had some limited project experience in the corporate organizational world. And now it is time to smarten up with real project management tools and their consistent application.

About the author

Larry Richman is a certified Project Management Professional ("PMP") with more than 30 years of experience teaching and practicing project management. He has developed and implemented computer-assisted project management systems and has authored thirteen books, including four on project management. He lives in Salt Lake City Utah.

Book 1 - Enterprise Project Governance  Book 1 - Enterprise Project Governance

17. Richman, Larry, Improving Your Project Management Skills, 2nd edition, American Management Association, NY, 2012
18. Ibid, p1-2
19. Ibid, p6
 
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