Product Description

Project management is something that a lot of people do, while not really understanding that this is what they are doing.
In the world of commerce; project management is a skill that can be refined and improved upon through reading, study and experience.

Competent project managers are valued in many, if not all professions.

This book is designed to help improve your capacity to manage any type of project in any type of industry. It may be read as a stand alone book; used as something to refer to during the process of managing projects, or used as a complementary reference to help enhance the overall learning experience when studying a project management course.

CHAPTER 1 NATURE AND SCOPE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The role of a project manager
Definitions
Characteristics of a project
Stages of a project
Where is project management applied?
Project identification
Who is not suitable?
People that bring personal problems to work
Understanding the interested parties
Types of project management
Types of project management offices
The supportive project management office
The controlling office
The directive office
Project types
The straightforward project
The complex project
The evolutionary project
State of the art
Complex project management
New project management methodology systems and standards

CHAPTER 2 RISK AND UNCERTAINTY
What is risk?
Some seek risk
The importance of a business case
The feasibility study
Who should do the feasibility study?
Writing a feasibility study report
Risk identification
Types of risk
Risk assessment
Identify the risks
Risk analysis
Negating risks and responding to threats
Identifying and using positive risk

CHAPTER 3 MAINTAINING CONTROL THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT
Tools for control
Benchmarking
Procedures
Gantt charts
Using cpa (critical path analysis)
Work/project sheets
Job descriptions
Job sheets/staff timetables
Staff social programme/activities
Counselling and supervision sessions
Assessments and incentives
Routine staff meetings
Memos
Orientation training
Mentoring
Pairing
When and where control needs to be exercised
Unanticipated problems that cause a risk to achieving goals
Continually consider where, what and when
What are you trying to control?
An example of a project control schedule:
Nine steps to successful project planning

CHAPTER 4 INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
What is communication?
Types of communication
Communication methods are various
Communication systems and techniques
Other forms of verbal communication
Miscommunication
Setting up communications systems in projects
First identify the stakeholders
Understanding communication
Active listening
Communicate clearly to get your message
Conflict
Changes must be accepted
Finding the right staff
Teams

CHAPTER 5 THE END GAME
Phase/milestone reviews
End of project review
Reviews are costly
How to approach a project review
What should a project review cover – an example
Keep your final report meetings positive
Disposal of left-over assets

CHAPTER 6 SOME GOLDEN RULES OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT