Rainbows & Ratholes: Best practices for managing successful projects [Paperback]

Dhanu Kothari (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 14, 2006

The purpose of this book is to bridge the gap between the theory and practice of project management by presenting proven and practical guidelines that can be immediately applied for successful management. This book is organized as a series of essays on the “what and how” of successful Project Management, each one dealing with a specific and practical aspect of Project Management. The essays serve as windows into the world of Project Management and present an integrated panoramic view of challenges and best practices. It is my sincere hope that professionals at all levels and in various functions of management including executives, engineers, project managers, systems analysts, client representatives, team members and students of Project Management will find this book useful. Avoid the rat holes and catch the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow with the ideas described in this book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A brilliant piece of work and an invaluable read for anyone who is serious about project & program success! An absolute must read for project sponsors in general. -- Romeo Mitchell, PMP, Senior Program Manager, HP Canada

Definitely the best down-to-earth guidance I have come across in one place in more than 30 years of reading about, writing about, and doing project management. Best read for all types of project managers. -- Journal of Product Innovation & Management 2008: Gerald Mulenburg, NASA (retired).

Glad to see a book written by a passionate professional. It synthesizes huge knowledge and experience of Project Management and the best of ideas in taking project management to results. -- Dept. of Mgt. Studies, IIT New Delhi, India - Dr. K. Momaya, Associate Professor

Provides a spark of insight and energy to nudge a Project Manager over an obstacle or constraint that is hindering the project flow and the variety of topics covered makes the book timely and invaluable. -- Earl W. Crisp, D. P. A., adjunct instructor, Mgt. Dept., Univ. of Texas at Arlington and College of Business, Dallas Baptist University

Very impressed! You have succeeded in explaining and discussing what is common for all projects no matter what business you are in. I have learned a lot from your book. -- Olav Bjørnson, Project Manager, Aker Kværner Systems a.s, Norway

About the Author

Dhanu Kothari has over twenty-five years of experience in Project Management, Process & Quality improvement, Methodology implementation, and consulting delivery across several industries. He has worked for major organizations including Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment, Honeywell, Nortel Networks, Bank of Nova Scotia, Sperry Univac and the Norwegian Computing Center. He is the President of D2i Consulting (www.D2i.ca), a firm specializing in Project Management delivery and consulting including Methodology, Process, PMOs, Projects Audits, and Skills Development & Training. His expertise includes managing groups of engineering and IT professionals, mentoring Project Managers, leading and facilitating workshops, directing teamwork and conducting Project Management training. He has successfully applied the principles of Project Management to complex IT and non-IT projects. As a Program Manager, he successfully managed the divestiture of HP Canada (into HP & Agilent Technologies) in conjunction with the HP Corporate team. Dhanu holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Pune University, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Production Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. He has published several papers, and delivered presentations, webinars and workshops for professional associations including CIPS, IEEE and PMI Chapters. He has authored two books on Project Management titled “Rainbows & Ratholes: Best Practices for Managing Successful Projects” and “From Ratholes to Rainbows: Managing Successful Recovery”. He is a past President of the Project Management Institute (PMI), Southern Ontario Chapter, Canada, and President of the Rotary Club of Newmarket, Ontario.

Product Details

• Paperback: 166 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (September 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141964601X
• ISBN-13: 978-1419646010
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 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: #813,562 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally---a book that explains what Project Managers do!, September 23, 2006

By 

steve cohen (santa ana, california) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rainbows & Ratholes: Best practices for managing successful projects (Paperback)

This book is absolutely a must-read for any Project Manager! More importantly, this book can easily apply to so many other fields. It is simply written, easy to follow, and the analogies are great! The whole concept of Project Management can be projected onto any other sector for people other than IT engineers (Like Me!!!). I love that anyone (ex orchestra conductor/physician/attorney/chef/pilot etc) can pick up this book and apply it to their profession. I think this novella is a great read for the small business owner for ideas and inspiration! I finally understand what Project Management entails!
As an aside, I also like the catchy front cover...