Make Things Happen (Quest Toolbox Series) [Paperback]

Steve Smith (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Quest Toolbox Series | Publication Date: November 1997

Quest Series--A quick reference guide to vital tools, checklists and guidelines for setting up and managing projects. A valuable resource for managers, sponsors or team members or leaders.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is one I use regularly, and one that I recommend for any novice project manager." -- Project Manager Today, January 2001

About the Author

For 25 years, author Steve Smith has been immersed in promotional marketing as Vice President, Creative Director with some of the largest integrated agencies, serving Fortune 500 brands like Coke, Pepsi, 3M, Burger King, Kraft, Bell South, Frito-Lay and more. He founded Creative Marketing Services, a consulting and creative firm, serving major agencies and brands, as well as small businesses competing with big budgets.

Many consider co-author Don E. Schultz the foremost authority on promotional and integrated marketing. He is credited for turning "sales promotion" into the sophisticated, strategic marketing discipline it is today. Schultz is a professor of Integrated Marketing Communication at Northwestern University; president of Agora, Inc., a marketing consulting firm; and the author of 13 books including "Essentials of Sales Promotion".

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Kogan Page Business Books (November 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0749424842
• ISBN-13: 978-0749424848
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,192,539 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even if you know the material you'll probably love it, July 2, 2002

By 

Mike Tarrani "www.tarrani.com" (Deltona, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Make Things Happen (Quest Toolbox Series) (Paperback)

I rarely get excited about a book that has information that I've already mastered, but this is an exception, and here are the reasons why:

- It's a short guide to the essential tools that will assure success if they are all used in planning, scheduling and controlling a project. In this respect the book is a memory jogger and sanity check.

- Each tool is succinctly, but thoroughly, covered. The format is: What it is, How it's used and an example. The copious use of graphics and the clear writing result in a small page count that is crammed with information.

- It epitomizes great document design. Like all consultants I spend a lot of time writing and communicating. This book is the standard to which I compare my own work, and I appreciate the , thought and effort that went into writing and laying out this book. It may look simple, but I assure you that the design alone is a masterpiece.

Even though I know the material the book has valid uses beyond serving as a model of technical writing. One use is to convey to team members (and stakeholders) the value of the techniques and tools that you're using to manage the project. Instead of spending valuable time drafting explanations, simply hand them a copy of this small book, or borrow heavily from it and throw together a presentation. Another use is to use this book as both a framework and checklist during the project planning phase.

The book is divided into eight sections. Section 1 is an overview that depicts project management as a process and superimposes the Plan-Do-Check-Act quality cycle on the process. This guides you in planning a project within the context of a quality-focused framework, and the potential pitfalls and prevention checklist in this section adds depth to the overview. The remaining seven sections list tools that you'll use in each process stage: project selection, selection and contract, planning, implement, monitor progress, and complete and review. The final section covers tools for managing multiple projects, such as resource loading and monitoring. The acid test is to assess whether the tools are appropriate and reflect best practices. The book passes with flying colors, and I am basing this opinion on the content of the planning section. It contains all of the key tools used in proper project planning, including work breakdown structures, responsibility charts, cost breakdown structures, critical path analysis and contingency plans.

Regardless of your level of expertise or experience you'll appreciate this book. If your budget allows a copy for every key member of your project team I predict a substantial return on your investment.