Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme [Paperback]

Robert K. Wysocki (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 27, 2009 | ISBN-10: 0470423676 | ISBN-13: 978-0470423677 | Edition: 5

With 200 pages of new content, the fifth edition of this popular guide gives new or veteran project managers a comprehensive overview of all of the best-of-breed project management approaches and tools today, including Traditional (Linear and Incremental), Agile (Iterative and Adaptive), and Extreme. Step-by-step instruction and practical case studies show you how to use these tools effectively to achieve better outcomes of projects at hand. Plus, the book provides full coverage on managing continuous process improvement, procurement management, managing distressed projects, and managing multiple team projects. The companion Web site includes exercises and solutions that accompany the project management instruction in the book.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Gain the skills and tools to become an effective project manager

Get ready for a more robust approach to project management — one that recognizes the project environment and adapts accordingly. This resource first introduces you to the tools, templates, and processes that you'll need in your toolkit. You'll then explore five different project management life cycle (PMLC) models for managing a project: Linear, Incremental, Iterative, Adaptive, and Extreme. Along the way, you'll find step-by-step guidance on how to apply each technique. All of this will give you a complete understanding of how to successfully complete projects on time and within budget.

This comprehensive guide shows you how to:

• Apply all nine Knowledge Areas defined in PMBOK®

• Establish project management life cycles and strategies

• Decide the best method for managing specific types of projects

• Select and use best-of-breed project management tools and templates for each management task

• Utilize the Project Support Office, Project Portfolio Management, and Continuous Process Improvement programs

• Prevent projects from becoming distressed and create effective intervention strategies

• Manage multiple team projects by integratingthe tools, templates, and processes into a single team

About the Author

Robert K. Wysocki, PhD, has over 40 years of experience as a project management consultant and trainer, information systems manager, systems and management consultant, author, training developer, and provider. He is the founder of Enterprise Information Insights, Inc., a project management consulting and training practice. Wysocki has written 15 books on project management and information systems management.

Product Details

• Paperback: 792 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 5 edition (April 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470423676
• ISBN-13: 978-0470423677
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,400 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Computers & Technology > Project Management > Agile
  • #32 in Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Project Management
  • #43 in Books > Computers & Technology > Project Management > PMP Exam

More About the Author

My entire professional life has been focused on project management in one way or another. First as a practitioner starting in 1963. PMI wouldn't arrive on the scene until 1969 and so I was on my own. As a result I'm self-taught and all of my books have grown out of my practice of the profession. I grew up to be a consultant, then a trainer, and now an author. I'm currently writing my 20th and 21st books in project management. I hope you enjoy the practical aspect of what I know and have shared about project management.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Project Management Rethought, October 1, 2009

By 

E. Lahey (Springfield, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme (Paperback)

I used Wysocki's 4th edition to teach my MBA courses. But the newest edition 5 is so well-written that I have expanded my use to include both undergraduate and MBA project management courses. The new edition has updated material, more useful examples and cases, plus a series of slides for the instructor. The book takes a complicated subject and breaks in down into so much detail that anyone can absorb the concepts. Nice work on the latest edition Bob!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Knowledge mobilization meets project manaagement, September 22, 2009

By 

Michael J. Sutton (Westminster College, Gore School of Business, Salt Lake City, UT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme (Paperback)

Wysocki has worked very hard to update his new edition of this landmark text with new scenarios, ideas, and concepts. Sometimes my learners in the MBA courses I teach ask me, "What is an example of 'knowledge management.' " I suggest to them that they look at what Wysocki has done to make explicit what is almost always implicit knowledge within a project manager or director.

Wysocki has provided an exemplary text that provides an incredibly thorough illustration of the elements, processes, and learning objects comprising project management. Moreover, this reference should be prescribed as the overarching framework that every CIO and CKO requires as part of their teams' methods to success.

cheers...michael

Michael JD Sutton, PhD, Asst. Professor

Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business

MBA and BBA Programs

Westminster College

1840 South 1300 East

Salt Lake City, UT 84105

Office Phone: [phone]

Fax Number: [phone]

[...]

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Excellent First Book on Project Management, December 24, 2009

By 

Coder (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme (Paperback)

I just completed my Project Management class in college, and it is the first time they have used the expanded version of the book (so far as I know). Robert Wysocki knows how to explain concepts deeply and thoroughly...not only will this help you prepare for your eventual PMP exam (you need 3 years Project Management experience to take that exam), but it will help you avoid the common pitfalls related to not choosing the correct management approach.

Right after our finals, I spoke to a student who took this course earlier (with the older version of the book), and he was lucky enough to actually listen to Robert as visiting lecturer for one class. The man is nothing short of brilliant!

This book is fantastic -- one of the true gems of my collge experience. I do have 2 minor quibbles, however:

1) Robert sometimes goes into an explanation that's far too wordy. He does not confuse, but at times he tends to repeat himself -- over and over, for several pages. Not the whole book, just now and then.

2) There are no review questions of any kind. (Not even a quibble for me, but it may be for you.) At the end of each chapter are scenarios to discuss as a group, if you are so inclined. If you are using this for self-study for certification, this will very likely be a real pitfall. However, you could supplement the vast wealth of Mr. Wysocki's real-world experience with one of the exam study/cram books out there.

This is not the book to "cram" for an exam. It discusses terminology and concepts, but goes into great detail about the hows/whys pros/cons of various project management approaches and processes. You must actually read! This book is in no way designed to skim or cram, and you will not be able to do that with this book (unless you already read *this* book and are just reviewing it).

However, if you want to become a good project manager, or improve your practice, this is the best book!