IT Project Management: On Track from Start to Finish, Second Edition (Certification Press) [Paperback]

Joseph Phillips (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0072232021 | ISBN-13: 978-0072232028 | Publication Date: March 22, 2004 | Edition: 2

Renowned IT project management expert, Joseph Phillips, again delivers an authoritative, easy-to-understand guide that delves into all CompTIA IT Project+ certification objectives. The “Inside the Exam” sections focus on the necessary topics to pass the new CompTIA exam. Each chapter features an end-of-chapter review, and the CD-ROM includes an IT Project+ practice test, plus templates and worksheets to use when managing a project. The included real-world examples that provide on-the-job insight from practicing project management professionals, and tie discussed theory to practice, make this comprehensive reference a must-have for IT staff.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

While this title prepares readers for the CompTIA IT Project+ exam, it will assist anyone thrust into an IT project management role. It highlights the unique challenges of technology projects, shows how to define clearly a project's parameters and goals, and explains how smaller steps fit into the overall objective. Quizzes and exercises following each chapter help prepare readers for the exam and allow them to practice thinking about technology projects. The accompanying CD-ROM includes a trial version of Microsoft Project 2000. Appropriate for larger public libraries.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Complete IT projects on time, stay within budget, and prepare for CompTIA’s IT Project+ certification exam

Get expert advice on planning and steering a successful IT project using PMBOK-driven principles. Expert author and PMI certified Project Management Professional, Joseph Phillips, walks you through each step of the IT project management process, and shares critical strategies that engender smoothly-run, on-time, and within-budget projects. Find the best path to initiate a project, uncover techniques for project planning, focus your managing skills on picking the most qualified team members, and discover ways to deal with management. Then, establish communication channels and realistic timetables and learn how to track financial obligations. These concepts are also illustrated through interviews with leading IT project managers. The bonus CD-ROM includes an IT Project+ simulated certification test which, along with the in-depth exam information covered in the “Inside the Exam” chapter sections, and the end-of-chapter exercises and quizzes, prepares you for the new CompTIA IT Project+ certification exam.

• Define a project goal and create the project charter
• Create a feasibility plan and establish a priority list
• Determine strategy and obtain budget dollars
• Work with management and define their role
• Determine project expenses—including estimated required hours
• Organize a project team—assess internal skills as well as utilize external resources
• Delegate responsibilities and manage project schedules
• Resolve disagreements—as well as address delays and budget increases
• Track progress and implement quality testing
• Maintain leadership and keep your team focused

Covers all exam objectives for CompTIA’s IT Project+ Certification

CD-ROM includes IT Project+ simulated exam, and project management worksheets and templates

Joseph Phillips, PMP, MCSE, MCT, CTT+, A+, Network+, IT Project+, is the Director of Education for Project Seminars, a project management training company. He has successfully implemented projects for pharmaceutical, banking, manufacturing, insurance, and other industries. Phillips has also taught PMP exam prep courses and given risk management and IT project management seminars for Fortune 500 companies, the US military, not-for-profit agencies, and universities.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 520 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; 2 edition (March 22, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072232021
• ISBN-13: 978-0072232028
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,133,716 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joseph Phillips is the Director of Education for Project Seminars, Inc. and the owner of Instructing.com. He teaches project management, business analysis, and goal setting for organizations around the world. He has managed and consulted on projects for the technical, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and architectural disciplines, among others.

Mr. Phillips has taught for Columbia College, University of Chicago, and Ball State University, among others. He is a Certified Technical Trainer, Project Management Professional, and has several other industry certifications. Phillips offers personal and corporate coaching, goal setting workshops, and often speaks on The Lifelong Project for PMI chapters. Phillips has contributed as an author or editor to more than 35 books on technology, careers, and project management.

Phillips is a member of the Project Management Institute, the International Institute of Business Analysis, and the American Society for Training and Development and is active in local chapters. He has spoken on project management, project management certifications, and project methodologies at numerous trade shows, PMI chapter meetings, and employee conferences in the United States and in Europe. When not writing, teaching, or consulting, Phillips can be found behind a camera or training for his next marathon. You can contact Phillips through www.lifelongproject.com or www.instructing.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just for IT Managers, April 8, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: IT Project Management: On Track from Start to Finish (Paperback)

Have you ever picked up a book which had nothing to do with your profession just to acquire knowledge about another field? Well, I did. I am an engineer with management experience, none of which applies to IT. I was first intrigued by Joe's knowledge of general management tools that apply to all types of managers (i.e. research, defining goals, budgets, etc.). Secondly, his book was the most enjoyable technical book that I have read. He brings life to his book with his subtle sarcasms accompanied by his technical expertise. I felt like I was sitting at his house, smoking a cigar, sipping on some brandy while he was explaining the intricacies of project management. (This is a big PLUS)
After reading his book, I feel that I not only have a greater knowledge of the IT profession and their environment, but I can also apply his reccommended management tools in my everyday management responsibilities.
I feel that Joe's book is a MUST READ not only for IT Managers specifically, but for all managers in general!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A solid treatment of the subject matter..., August 22, 2004

By 

Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: IT Project Management: On Track from Start to Finish, Second Edition (Certification Press) (Paperback)

Have you ever wondered what it is project managers do while you're off cranking out code and fixing bugs? If so, you can get a really thorough coverage of the art and science of project management in the book IT Project Management - On Track from Start to Finish (2nd edition) by Joseph Phillips (McGraw-Hill/Osborne).

Chapter breakout: Initiating the Project; Planning the Project; Working with Management; Creating the Budget; Creating a Work Breakdown Structure; Organizing a Project Team; Building the Project Plan; Implementing the Project Plan; Revising the Project Plan; Enforcing Quality; Managing Teams; Completing the Project; IT Project+ Exam Objectives; Critical Exam Information; Working as an Independent Contractor; About the CD; Glossary; Index

This book actually serves a couple of purposes. For the beginning or intermediate project manager, this book serves as a guide to the entire project planning process. I know if I were placed in the role of a project planner (of which I have little experience), I would need a book exactly like this to guide me through the process. The other function of the book is to help the person who is planning for the IT Project+ certification exam. While I have no desire to go after that certification, I think I'd place this book on my study list if I were pursuing it.

Along with the solid content in each chapter, there are some features at the end that are interesting. One is a feature called "From The Field", which is an interview with a real project manager answering questions related to the content covered in that chapter. That's a nice move to add some practicality to the material. There is also a chapter quiz and exercises at the end so you can bridge the gap from theoretical to practical.

Overall, a good treatment of the subject matter, and worth getting if this is an interest of yours.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Certification Aid the was Hard to Put Down, October 12, 2002

By 

Dave Thompson (Peru, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: IT Project Management: On Track from Start to Finish (Paperback)

I am working toward upgrading my Novell CNE5 to Master CNE6, and the Comptia IT Project+ is a new optional requirement. In looking on Amazon and heading right to the Sybex book on the subject, the negative reviews overwhelmed me. Although, Sybex has never failed me, I looked further and came across Mr. Phillips's book. ...,
To my pleasant surprise, it is one of the best certification prep books that I have ever read. I found myself staying up late and getting up early just to read another chapter. It is interesting reading and Mr. Phillips has a pleasant conversational style with humor interjected throughout that made this a great read. The CD with the book has 4 - 60 question simulation tests that align well with the Comptia Objectives and a demo copy of Microsoft's Project helps the reader with the exercises, allowing actual hands-on simulations with the provided exercises.
Being a person who likes to be prepared for any certification test... that I take, I also picked up the Sybex book and am about halfway through. I have to agree with one of the Sybex reviewers that said to buy anything else, as it would have to be better. Well, "IT Project Management - On Track from Start to Finish" is not a book to "just settle" on, it is a winner and well worth the [money].
I am very confident that I will have no trouble with the test later this month.