Customer Reviews

Complete Idiot's Guide to Project Management with Microsoft Project 2000 (Complete Idiot's Guide)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are a lot of self-proclaimed project management "experts" out there but it is obvious that this guy manages projects for a living. There are a lot of books that tell you how to push the buttons, but this is the only one I've found that tells you why you need to do something. Better yet, he shows the easiest way (using the software or not) to do it. For example, I sometimes have to figure out how much more it will cost to speed a project up. This is the only book I've found that shows how you can calculate expedited projects in Microsoft Project. I've been at this business (doing it and teaching it) for 30 years and this book took my understanding of the basics to a whole new level. I'm impressed! If yo only own one book on project management this is it!"

Ron Black has succeeded where many have failed. He has taken the complexities of using MS Project 2000 and turned them into an easy-to-understand format that blends the tool side of PM with the people side.

As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and PM trainer, I intend to recommend this book to both to beginners and 'experts' alike. With a fun-loving, obvious sense of humor, Ron Black explains the underlying principles upon which this type of software was developed. Additionally, he has NOT neglected the all important aspect of how to use the tool to motivate, inform, and build a cohesive project team.

He does what folks need - shows them that they CAN do it, that project management and the PM software really isn't as terrifying as it may seem when you first get thrown into it.

The book is informative, thorough, and motivating. Buy it. Read it. Use it. Open it often to remind yourself of the all important basics that we often lose sight of when we are caught in the middle of a busy project day.

I was just hoping to find a book on how to use MS Project 2000, but instead I found an excellent reference on project management that also teaches MS Project. That is the value of this book - it teaches good project management skills, and how MS Project can help you reach your goals. I especially recommend this to project management rookies.

Finally, somebody wrote a book that steers you around the frustrating quirks in Microsoft Project. It's obvious that the author knows project management and computers and can tell you how to really get things accomplished. I was surprised to see that he even tells you which features of Project you shouldn't use. The book isn't just about how to use all the features in the software, it's about getting projects done!

With most computer software their is a huge learning curve because we do not understand the principles behind the applications. Ron Black's has hand crafted the fundamentals and more of Project Management to ensure the applications can be implemented with ease.

The Complete Idiots Guide to Project Management 2000 executes one of the first principals everyone should know about Project Management. Move slow in the beginning to ensure speed and forward progress in the execution phase. This is how this book is written.

Not only have I read this book from cover to cover, but it also serves as a good reference for future projects. I can't wait for your next release.

Michael Savoie

This book is the best I've found for understanding Microsoft Project. But Ron Black goes beyond that, he explains what all the 'charts and graphs' are for. Whether or not you have ever used project management software, this book gives you invaluable tools on how to manage a project.

I have just started using this application and this book has turned me in to a confident user. All of my departments projects will now go on to Project 2000. Ron not only explains how to use Project, he also describes the principles behind them and the common problems that can occur while trying to run a project. He also explains the importance of "iced mochas and pistachios" and other necessities.
the book is well written, applicable and easy to read. Ron's Mum should be proud :)

Everything is explained so that is easy to understand, even amusing sometimes. I think a book like this would be perfect for a beginning course on project management.

I recommend this book to anyone getting started in PM

While this book is about using Microsofts Project 2003 Software it contains a wealth of information about leadership and business and street smarts of managing yourself. Many times in life we get so involved we "can't see the forest because of the trees". Boged down in details we lose sight of the big picture. Ron provides clarity that can help anyone move forward with laser like effeciency, if they want. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to live larger, and be more successful. Lee Holden