Customer Reviews

Extreme Project Management: Unique Methodologies - Resolute Principles - Astounding Results

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This is positively the worst book I have ever read. The only thing extreme about this book is the claim that it actually discusses project management.

The book's main point is that the Project Manager is the most important person in the world. The key to running a successful project is simply to convince the rest of the world of your endless importance. Well, that and making sure you leave long before the project is due, as the author explains on page 10.

The author has an interesting view on meetings as well. Firstly all meetings are too long. Period. Now this may be true. It makes perfect sense to keep meetings as succinct as possible. But are you really going to accomplish this by supplying plenty of coffee and tea (p24), so as to focus the participants on their desire for a bathroom? Don't forget the fruit juice, for the occasional sod that doesn't drink coffee. And do nip from your cup regularly, to set the example!

I sympathize with those readers who finished this book. I couldn't. Neither could the editor apparently. Spelling errors and worse accompany you from page 11 and onward.

Oh well, the book has one thing to teach you. If you ever find yourself in a project managed by Shaun Ajani, then run, don't walk.

This book has little to do with Project Management and nothing to do with extreme project management. It is full of cliche ideas and not very useful banter.

Save your money it is not worth it

I think if you consider the iconoclastic style, quirky writing, and isightful thoughts, you don't have to compare the book to anything, just learn from it. Try keeping PERT and CPM simple... read and learn.

This book isn't enough to undertand the subject. I recommend try to find the more complete book.

From the moment I picked up this book I had my doubts. First because it seemed awfully thin. But after reading through about a third of it, and not believing that it was really as bad as it seemed, I resolved to read the whole thing. I figured that it had to get better. That at some point the author would get around to talking about project management instead of suggesting silly mind games that supposedly impress others.

By the time I finished I was "extreme" in my thanks the book was so short, so that my misery came to a quick end.

Apparently "extreme" also means that there is not enough time for even basic proof reading.

In the very first chapter the author talks about people who just don't understand his techniques and that they are sadly misguided. I'd have to agree, but the only thing these folks can be accused of being misguided about was paying $12.95 for this book.

I may be limiting Mr. Ajani's book by by saying "for experienced Project Managers only". But I really had to read this book twice, before it really hit me.

Giving this book a cursory glance will be more harmful then good, but do not let this fact set you out from reading this "out of this world" Management book.

Keep in mind that this is, in fact, an "extreme" book.

Henry Jocobs

I read the book with a skeptic's eye, based on the mixed review this book has been getting from all around the world. I did pick up some interesting points. Although, the meshed-in look of the book, with the absurd "ideas" for Project Manager is not very realistic, I think the book has a solid ground on theoritical aspects.

I liked very much the Review Techniques, as I can completely relate to it, and it is nice to have some advice on the "people" perspective.

All in all, I can;t say that this is the best book on Project Management, but if you lay your prejudjments aside, it can be a very very interesting read.

Patrick J.
London 2004

Hmmmmmm.... Odd odd odd. But worth the read, even to get some ideas that are quite different from "normal" PM.

This is a complete waste of money and time. This guy has no credible recommendations. He hasn't a clue as to what xtreme PM is.

This was certainly a book that I will not forget soon. Although there were some glaring mistakes (in my humble opinion), I got enough out this book to make it worth it.

The Review technique was particularly powerful. In the organizaiotn that I am, it would come in handy.

The budget section needs some work. But all in all, an enlightning read.

Deserves a better rank then it has now.