Project Management: The Managerial Process (McGraw-Hill International Editions: Management & Organization Series) - Softcover

Larson, Erik W.; Gray, Clifford F.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0071163166 ISBN 13: 9780071163163

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Inc.,US, 2000

Synopsis

This text provides advice covering all aspects of project management. It includes the strategic role of projects in contemporary organizations, the prioritization of projects, organizational and managerial styles, and preparing for an international project in a foreign culture.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Approaches Project Management From a Holistic, Balanced Perspective. The text is developed around a philosophy of a project-driven organization committed to continuous improvement and organizational learning. The text is holistic it directs attention to the needed linkage between projects and organizational strategy. Many project management textbooks emphasize the technical aspects of the subject, while providing scant attention to the human element in projects. This text succeeds in redressing the balance by treating both the technical and the behavioral aspects of the subject in nearly equal parts. Such a balance is possible because of the complementary backgrounds of the authors: Gray, a specialist in project management systems with an operations background, provides strong technical coverage of project management. Larson, whose professional background is in organizational behavior, brings a distinctive behavioral perspective to the subject. This holistic, balanced perspective
is an excellent primer for the 45,000 plus PMI members who may be considering to sit for the Project Management Institute Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) certification exam!
Emphasizes Project Management Process: Other project management textbooks focus on what to do and how to do it. Gray and Larson do this but also emphasize why a particular solution should be implemented. As a result, the reader is encouraged not only to master practical skills of implementation but also to understand why the approach will or will not work in their situational environment.
Microsoft Project TM: Each copy of the book is packaged with a student version of Microsoft Project. This software is a nice complement to the book's applied approach. An integrative computer case requiring the application of the text tools and techniques spans steps from defining the project through controlling the project using earned value. The case exercise is sufficiently complete to allow the student to immediately apply the tools and software to their own real world projects. While there are many project management software options, Microsoft Project is one that the students, as managers, will likely have access.
Selective Coverage of the Tools, Techniques, and Concepts: Gray and Larson have taken care to cover only those tools, techniques, and concepts that have practical relevance to today's project managers. All of the tools and techniques assume the activity-on-node (AON) format used by nearly all practitioners. The transition from the classroom to a working environment should be close to seamless.
'Snapshot From Practice' Boxes: Each chapter features a brief, relevant example that deals with project management issues and challenges. This is one of the many advantages of having authors who have consulted and trained project managers around the world. There are many contemporary examples for the students to read which bring managing projects to life.
Case Studies: There is typically at least one case study per chapter. These short case studies offer a detailed look at specific, relevant project situations and require some critical analysis and response to the issue/problem.
Exercises: The exercises at the end of each chapter provide a project scenario and then ask the reader to offer possible approaches or responses to the scenario situation. This feature is also a nice complement to the applied and practical approach the authors have taken.
Chapter Flow Chart: Each chapter begins with an overview flow-chart; this chart provides the reader with a roadmap for what they have read, what they will read, and how all the parts of the text are linked together.
Complete Supplements Package: The text contains a student CD-ROM that includes Microsoft Project, quizzes, outline notes, and PowerPoint slides . For instructors using the text in their project management course, an Instructor's Presentation CD-ROM and an Instructor's Manual are provided. The Instructor's Presentation CD-ROM includes the Presentation Manager feature and contains the Instructor's Manual and Test Bank, PowerPoint transparencies, and Microsoft Project software. The Instructor's Manual includes a test bank and teaching notes for each case, exercise, and review question. The Manual also includes suggested cases to supplement the text, sample class outlines, transparency masters, and detailed chapter outlines.

From the Back Cover:

Essential reading for passing the Certified Project Manager exam!

The First Book to Combine Operational and Human Skills into a Flexible, Proactive Project Management Framework

The ability to effectively manage projects is a, if not the, key skill for managers in today's bare-bones, hyperspeed workplace. Still, in most organizations, comprehensive project management training programs remain more the exception than the rule, leaving managers to make up the rules­­and pick up the pieces­­as each project takes on a life of its own.

Project Management is today's most thorough training manual and reference for understanding and managing every aspect of the project environment. Focusing on the human element that is critical to project implementation and completion, it provides:

• An intuitive five-step approach for collecting the necessary information to plan, schedule, and control a project
• Keys to managing project teams and ensuring effective communication between teams and stakeholders
• Techniques for maintaining control­­both formal and informal­­over projects of every size and scope

A project is a process, one that either succeeds or fails one small step at a time. As a manager, you and you alone are responsible for the timely and successful completion of each step. Project Management features examples, case studies, and analysis for each phase of the typical project, to ensure that each project you manage meets its goals on time and on budget.

Projects involve the creation by an individual or team of an entirely new product or process. To reach that goal, project managers must understand both the operational and human aspects of spearheading a project from conception to completion. In addition, because each project has unique characteristics and requirements that often aren't apparent until the project is well under way, a manager must be fully prepared to provide intuitive and instant solutions­­and be confident those solutions are correct.

Project Management provides proven guidelines for managing projects from both the operational and behavioral standpoint. This added focus on the human aspect­­unique in today's project management professional library­­shows you how to work within the existing organizational culture, manage stakeholders and team members based on their differing and often competing goals and viewpoints, and even manage projects across organizations with opposing goals and cultures.

Beginning with the initial planning stages and moving through teambuilding, control, and final delivery of project results, Project Management outlines solution-oriented, integrated methodologies for implementing the processes of project management. Examples from a wide variety of both manufacturing and service environments highlight the hands-on skills and solutions required for:

• Defining projects
• Organizing projects
• Estimating time and cost requirements
• Analyzing and managing project risk
• Managing teams and stakeholders
• Scheduling resources for utilization and availability
• Monitoring performance
• Conducting and learning from a project audit

Effective project managers must seamlessly blend operational skills, prioritization abilities, and behavioral insights, often simultaneously. Project Management outlines a step-by-step framework for managing any project, in any industry or environment, and consistently achieving objectives with a maximum of efficiency and a minimum of waste.

About this edition

• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Inc.,US
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0071163166
• ISBN 13: 9780071163163
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 512