Understanding Project Management, Second Edition
A Practical Guide
By: Dave C. Barrett
About This Book
In the second edition of Understanding Project Management, skilled expert Dave C. Barrett offers a well-updated, practical real-world guide for current and aspiring project managers. Using concise and approachable language, the second edition features new concept illustrations, a greater consistency with the Project Management Body of Knowledge terminology, and additional case studies in the updated instructor resources. Taking the reader through an ongoing case study from initiation to completion, the text reinforces the importance of managing key aspects of a project, including its scope, quality, schedule, and budget, and explores the less tangible challenges that can often derail a project or lead to its success. This newly updated edition offers authentic project management documents produced alongside the project case study and equips readers with a solid understanding of why specific processes are used, why certain decisions are made, and how pieces of project management fit together. Suitable for any discipline or industry, Understanding Project Management, Second Edition, promises to be an engaging and worthwhile read. FEATURES: - Additional key terms, illustrations, practical examples, and references to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, Sixth Edition - Readers follow an ongoing case study, gaining insight into the thought processes and resulting actions of a project manager, including the creation of project documents - Robust instructor resources include new case studies that can be used for in-class activities and case study extensions of additional situations and problems to discuss with students
AI Overview
"Understanding Project Management, Second Edition" by Dave C. Barrett is a practical guide designed for current and aspiring project managers. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Practical Real-World Guide: The book offers a well-updated, practical real-world guide for project managers, focusing on the application of project management principles in various disciplines and industries.
- Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK): The second edition features greater consistency with PMBOK terminology, ensuring that readers are well-versed in the standard practices of project management.
- Case Studies: The book includes an ongoing case study that takes the reader through the project lifecycle from initiation to completion, reinforcing the importance of managing key aspects like scope, quality, schedule, and budget.
- Less Tangible Challenges: The text explores the less tangible challenges that can often derail a project or lead to its success, providing readers with a solid understanding of why specific processes are used and how they fit together.
Plot Summary
The book is structured around an ongoing case study that illustrates the practical application of project management principles. It covers the entire project lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure. Through this case study, readers gain insight into the thought processes and resulting actions of a project manager, including the creation of project documents.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book is described as an engaging and worthwhile read, suitable for any discipline or industry. The inclusion of new concept illustrations, additional case studies, and robust instructor resources suggests that the book is well-received by both students and professionals in the field.
Features
- Additional Key Terms and Illustrations: The book includes new concept illustrations and additional key terms to enhance understanding.
- Practical Examples: It features practical examples that help readers apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
- References to PMBOK: The text references the Project Management Body of Knowledge, ensuring that readers are aligned with industry standards.
- Instructor Resources: Robust instructor resources include new case studies that can be used for in-class activities and discussions.
Overall, "Understanding Project Management, Second Edition" by Dave C. Barrett is a comprehensive guide that equips readers with a solid understanding of project management principles and their practical application.