Project Disasters: And How To Survive Them - Hardcover

Nickson, David; Siddons, Suzy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0749443081 ISBN 13: 9780749443085

Publisher: Kogan Page, 2005

Synopsis

<p>This book examines the causes of project failures and what can be learnt from them. It focuses on risk management - identifying risks and strategies to deal with them; how to support and lead project teams when things go wrong; how to turn a disaster into something positive and, importantly, guidance on what not to do.<br><br> The emphasis is on learning lessons from mistakes that have occurred within previous projects, thus helping to avoid future disasters.<br><br> Using a wide variety of real-world examples the book looks at what those involved in the projects did after the event and how effective - or otherwise - this was in improving the outcome.<br><br> Cases include: The Apollo 13 moon mission; Coca-Cola Dasani water; the Millennium Dome; the Millennium Bridge; the Channel Tunnel; the Beagle 2 Space Probe; and many more.</p>

About this title

About the Authors

David Nickson has managed and contributed to major bids in both the private and the public sector, including the Ministry of Defence. He has also worked as a manager, consultant, methodology developer and trainer. He is the author of <i>The Bid Manager's Handbook</i>, published by Gower, several hundred magazine articles and five other books.

Suzy Siddons founded her own training company over 20 years ago. She worked with a wide range of clients such as UKAEA, IKEA, The London Stock Exchange, Sainsbury's and Australia Bank. She wrote and co-authored many books, including <i><b>Project Management Disasters</b></i> (with David Nickson), published by Kogan Page.

From the Inside Flap

FRONT FLAP:

Even when procedures and methods are followed to the letter, things can still go wrong and lead to disastrous outcomes. Project Disasters and How to Survive Them examines what causes projects to fail and the lessons that can be learned from these failures in order to help avoid future disasters.

Using a wide variety of real-world examples such as the Apollo 13 moon mission, Coca-Cola s Dasani water and the Millennium Dome, the book analyzes what those involved in the projects did when things started to go wrong, and how effective or otherwise their actions were in improving the final outcome. The tone of the book is positive throughout the focus is on the identification of root causes and the use of appropriate diagnostic tools and remedial skills and practices to produce the best possible outcome. Due consideration is also given to the use of preventative measures such as risk management
to nip problems in the bud before they get out of control.

In a comprehensive and practical style, the author demonstrates how to support and lead project teams when things go wrong, how to turn a disaster into something positive and, most importantly, gives guidance on what not to do. This compelling and informative guide is a must read for anyone involved in managing a project and for students taking project management qualifications.

REAR COVER:

David Nickson and Suzy Siddons combine their considerable expertise to define exactly what it means to be within the midst of a project disaster. This book covers all aspects of project disasters in an accessible and very readable way, including:

Definition and scope;
Why project disasters happen;
Learning from disasters;
Risk and reality;
Human resources;
Public relations;
Disaster and organization;
Triumph over adversity;
Recipes and survival skills;
What not to do.

Project Disasters and How to Survive Them introduces the reader to both the theory and the practice of the subject, making it an invaluable guide for project and risk managers, HR and line managers, IT and operational managers, and all those taking project management qualifications.

REAR FLAP:

David Nickson has managed and contributed to major bids in both the private and the public sector, including the Ministry of Defence. He has also worked as a manager, consultant, methodology developer and trainer.
He is the author of The Bid Manager s Handbook, published by Gower, several hundred magazine articles and five other books.

Suzy Siddons has run her own training company for 15 years,
which specializes in leadership, communication and team management. Her clients include many blue-chip companies from around the world. She is the author
of five business books for The Chartered Institute of Personnel
and Development and four others as co-author with David Nickson.

Edition details

• Publisher: Kogan Page
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0749443081
• ISBN 13: 9780749443085
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240